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U.S. Supreme Court, Washington D.C.
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Like a mini Parthenon - Washington D.C.
Like a mini Parthenon
by machomikemd
U.S. Supreme Court tips and photos posted by real travelers and Washington D.C. locals.

1 First Street NE
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• 41 Reviews

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U.S. Supreme Court: "Equal Justic Under Law": U.S. Supreme Court
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  • United States Supreme Court Building - Washington D.C.
    United States Supreme
    Court Building
    by deecat
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    The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the country.The Supreme Court building is quite new compared to other symbols of American democracy. Completed in 1935, (145 years after the Supreme Court first met) this building is where the nine black-robed Supreme Court justices interpret our nation's laws. This building is an impressive sight with its 16 white Vermont marble columns that stand outside the front entrance. Above the columns is written the famous phrase "Equal Justice Under Law"

    If the justices decide a law violates the U.S. Constitution, they have the power to reject that law. These justices hear, on average, 500 cases a year. About 500,000 visitors tour the Supreme Court building each year.

    The Supreme Court building resembles a Greek temple. The bronze entrance doors are oversized and weighs over 13 tons. Its majestic look attracts not only visitors. Each year, the building is the site of many demonstrations where people gather to protest laws they think unfair.

    Located ust a few steps away from the Capitol, makes it easy to see and to visit.

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  • Phone: (202) 479-3000
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
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    U.S. Supreme Court: Greek Style Splendor
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  • This neoclassical building looks far older than it really is. The Supreme Court met in odd rooms in the Capitol (you'll see one if you tour the Capitol) until the early '30s, when this structure was completed. Tours start at 9am when the court is not in session. After the usual security checks, a set number of visitors will be ushered into the actual court chambers. A guide will discuss the workings of the court, plus the symbolism of the sculptures and friezes above. The decorations are of lawgivers throughout time: Confucious, Hammurabi, Mohammed, and Moses, among others.

    Downstairs there are exhibits, a short film, and portraits of past justices. Be sure to take a gander before the court opens, or afterwards at the sculptured doors at the entrance. Each door is bronze, weighs 6.5 TONS, and is decorated with famous law scenes. When the court is open for sessions or tours, these giant works of art slide into pockets in the sides and are not visible. Pamphlets describing the court building and workings are given out free of charge. The closest Metro stop is Capitol South.

    In this formidable Greek-style temple, the nine Supreme Court Justices make final their interpretations of the Constitution and the laws of the land. In addition to viewing the building, you can see a film, hear a lecture or, if you are exceptionally lucky, sit in on arguments when the Court is in session. Choose a three-minute quick view or come for an all-day visit, but be in line by 8:30a for passes. Check the Washington Post for descriptions of current cases and go on Mondays to hear the decisions the court hands down. Admission is free.

    The building is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.

  • Phone: (202) 479-3000;(202) 479-3211.
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
  • Website: www.supremecourtus.gov/
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    U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of the United States
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  • Nerd that I am, I was very excited about going to see the Supreme Court. I find it facinating that in many ways this body of 9 people has more power over daily life in the US than any other group of individuals. You can take free guided tours of the Supreme Court Building, check out cool exhibits that explain how the judicial system works, and even hear oral arguments when the court is in session (Oct - April.). The building iteself is very beautiful and contains sculpture, statutes, and friezes depicting Justice, Liberty, and Equality. Cool.

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  • Phone: (202) 479-3000
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
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    U.S. Supreme Court: Supreme Court
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  • The Highest Court in the Land - Washington D.C.
    The Highest Court in the Land
    by lmkluque
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    A federal court; the highest body in the JUDICIAL BRANCH. The Supreme Court is composed of a chief justice and eight associate justices, all of whom are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They serve on the Court as long as they choose, subject only to impeachment.

    Each state also has a supreme court; which are Courts of Appeals, primarily hearing cases that have already been tried. The Federal Supreme Court ('THE' Supreme Court) has the final word on interpretation of all laws and of the Constitution. Supreme Court decisions have a significant impact on public policy, and are often extremely controversial.

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  • Phone: 479-3000
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
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    U.S. Supreme Court: U.S. Supreme Court
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  • It was so cool to see the protesters here... I felt like I was a part of history in the making. It almost made me want to be an activist!!! (Almost.) :-)

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  • Phone: (202) 479-3000
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
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    U.S. Supreme Court: United States Supreme Court building
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  • The Supreme Court did not get a permanent home in Washington DC until 1935. It had been housed in the New York Merchant's Exchange Building, Philadelphia's Independence Hall, the basement of the Capitol building, the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol, and the Old Senate Chamber upstairs in the Capitol.

    The Supreme Court building faces the Capitol and is home to the offices of the nine US Supreme Court Justices, as well as the court itself. The facade says "Equal Justice Under Law"In front of the building are two small reflecting pools, sculptures of "Contemplation of Justice" and "Authority of Law" and two flagpoles.

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  • Phone: (202) 479-3000
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
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    U.S. Supreme Court: Supreme Court
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  • Located at One First Street NE, the Supreme Court of the United States offers Public Lectures conducted in the courtroom every hour on the half hour between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday, except when the court is in session.

    The Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and eight Associate Justices.

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  • Phone: 202-479-3000
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    U.S. Supreme Court: Legal system and destiny
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  • The main entrance to the Supreme Court Building is on the west side, facing the eastern Capitol grounds and the United States Capitol building. A few low steps led me to the 77-meter-wide (252 feet) oval plaza with fountains, flagpoles and benches in front of the building. The steps are flanked by a pair of marble candelabra. Carved panels on their square bases depict Justice with sword and scales and the Three Fates, weaving the thread of life.

    It was nothing strange. Lady Justice (or the Goddess of Justice) is a personification of the legal system. She is frequently depicted as a bare-breasted woman carrying a sword and scales, and sometimes wearing a blindfold. The image is frequently used to adorn courthouses and courtrooms.

    The Three Fates (or Moirae: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos) in Greek mythology were the personifications of destiny.

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  • Phone: +1 (202) 479 3211
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave. Metro station: Capitol South or Union Station. Map here.
  • Website: http://www.supremecourtus.gov
  • Other Contact: +1 (202) 479 3030
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    U.S. Supreme Court: A peek into the court
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  • Sculpture of a former Chief Justice - Washington D.C.
    Sculpture of a former Chief
    Justice
    by Faiza-Ifrah, 3 more photos
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    In this formidable Greek style temple, the nine Supreme Court Justices make final their interpretations of the Constitution in the laws of the land.

    When we visited the Building there was a silent demonstration taking place outside (see picture # 4).

    We climbed the steps and entered the hall after a checking of our body and bags. The lines were long, but bearable. The Hall had, along its two walls, sculptures of all its Chief Justices, who had served the Court. We observed a few courts and made an exit.

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  • Phone: (202) 479-3000
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave.
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    U.S. Supreme Court: Go East!
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  • URSZULA (matcrazy0) AND THE U.S. SUPREME COURT - Washington D.C.
    URSZULA (matcrazy0) AND THE
    U.S. SUPREME COURT
    by matcrazy1, 4 more photos
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    Although I had seen the model of the United States Supreme Court building I made quite common mistake of many visitors. I didn't go East to see eastern front of the building. Instead I took a break, sat on a bench in the court grounds and took a picture of pretty grass-like plants.

    The main, rectangular and longitudinal court edifice built in classical style has two facades the western and eastern. Go East along long court wall to see the eastern facade.

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  • Phone: +1 (202) 479 3211
  • Directions: East of the Capitol on 1st Street NE, between East Capitol Street and Maryland Ave. Metro station: Capitol South or Union Station. Map here.
  • Website: http://www.supremecourtus.gov
  • Other Contact: +1 (202) 479 3030
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