Three million dollars worth of marble was used to construct this imposing neoclassical building, the first permanent house of the nation's highest tribunal, guardian of the Constitution, which first met in 1790 in New York, then the country's capital. Few American institutions are as steeped in tradition: The annual "term" commences the first Monday in October and continues until the end of June, each session opens at 10am with the crier's chant "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!", the nine black robed justices are seated in a row with the chief justice at the center, recess is 3pm on days of oral arguments, which start at 10am and include a noon to 1pm break for lunch.
Mondays are usually "decision" days and they are popular. You may tour the building (not the courtroom) on your own. Sessions are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis (limited seating). When court is not in session there are free lectures every hour an the half hour from 9:30am to 3:30pm. No reservations are necessary. There is a great ground-floor cafeteria open to the public for breakfast and lunch, as well as exhibits, a film, and a gift shop.
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