CNN: Inside the Supreme Court

Summary

The script offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Supreme Court's iconic building on its 75th anniversary. It highlights the architectural intent to evoke a sense of monumental importance, with Greco-Roman temple design and marble predominant in its construction. The library, despite less frequent use due to the internet, remains a historic hub for justices. Traditions like the use of quill pens and the courtroom's unchanged appearance since its first case add to its charm. The script also notes the building's blend with other Washington landmarks and the enduring impact of the court on American society.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Supreme Court building aims to convey a sense of monumentality, reflecting the significance of the institution and the decisions made within.
• 📚 The Supreme Court's law library, with 600,000 volumes, is a historic place where justices have traditionally sought scholarly input for their opinions.
• 💼 The building's design is Greco-Roman temple-style, symbolizing a temple of justice, and was constructed with a focus on blending with surrounding architectural landmarks.
• 🚫 Despite the advent of the internet, the physical library remains an irreplaceable part of the court's tradition and history.
• 📈 The Supreme Court has a rich history, with only 17 chief justices compared to 44 presidents over the same period, highlighting the court's enduring nature.
• 🏛️ The building, opened in 1935, is relatively young at 75 years old, yet it houses traditions and symbols that date back much further.
• 📸 Photography is strictly limited in the Supreme Court, with only two known pictures of the court in session from the 1930s, emphasizing the court's privacy.
• 💰 The original construction cost of the Supreme Court was $9.7 million, with approximately $3.5 million spent solely on marble, indicating the grandeur and permanence intended for the building.
• 📖 The courtroom has remained virtually unchanged since its first case, preserving the traditions and atmosphere of past judicial proceedings.
• 🔒 Security concerns have led to the closure of the court's sweeping doors, which were originally intended to symbolize open access to justice for all.

Q & A

What is the significance of the architectural design of the Supreme Court building?

The architectural design aims to make the court's appearance feel monumental, signifying the importance of the proceedings happening within the building.

How old is the Supreme Court building?

The Supreme Court building is 75 years old, which is relatively young compared to many other buildings in Washington, D.C.

Why was the Supreme Court previously considered 'homeless'?

For almost 150 years, the Supreme Court did not have a permanent home, meeting in various locations such as New York City, Philadelphia, and the old Senate chamber in Washington, D.C.

Who was instrumental in securing the funding for the construction of the Supreme Court building?

Chief Justice William Howard Taft was key in convincing Congress to fund the construction of a permanent home for the Supreme Court in 1929.

What material was predominantly used in the construction of the Supreme Court building, and how much was spent on it?

Marble was the predominant material used, with approximately $3.5 million spent on it out of the original $9.7 million budget.

What is the design inspiration behind the Supreme Court building?

The design of the building is inspired by a Greco-Roman temple, symbolizing a temple of justice.

How has the use of the law library at the Supreme Court changed over time?

The law library, once a vital resource for justices, is not used as much due to the convenience of the internet, but it remains an irreplaceable part of the court's history and tradition.

What are some of the traditions maintained in the Supreme Court courtroom?

The Supreme Court maintains traditions such as the justices entering the courtroom in groups of three from behind red curtains and providing quill pens at the desks of attorneys arguing before the court.

Which historic cases have been decided in the Supreme Court courtroom?

Historic cases such as 'Brown v. Board of Education', which led to the integration of public schools, and 'Bush v. Gore' have been decided in the Supreme Court courtroom.

What are some of the details that give the Supreme Court building its power and charm?

Details like ornate carvings of great lawgivers, small turtles on the lampposts symbolizing the deliberate pace of justice, and portraits of every former justice lining the walls contribute to the building's power and charm.

How does the Supreme Court building reflect the balance between tradition and evolution?

The Supreme Court building is an ever-evolving institution built on tradition, as seen in the enduring traditions and the historical significance of the courtroom, while also adapting to modern security concerns, such as the closure of the sweeping doors due to security reasons.