The Supreme Court
For many students, the judicial branch of our government holds the most mystery. We do not see the justices at work behind the bench nearly as often as a picture of congress flashes on the evening news. Although visiting the Supreme Court will only add to the awe-factor when it comes to this amazing part of our government, it will hopefully create a deeper understanding of its purpose and active role.
The Supreme Court welcomes visitors daily to its beautiful, permanent home – still new compared to the permanent homes of the President in the White House and congress on Capitol Hill. For decades, the Supreme Court shared space in the beautiful Capitol building. Finally in 1935, the Court moved into the impressive architectural structure you'll find today. All of the government buildings in our nation's capital were designed in the neoclassical theme that is breathtaking in its powerful luxury. Grand outdoor steps, beautiful marble, ornate frescoes and artistry throughout – the beauty of this building will inspire you.
The ground floor of the Supreme Court building is filled with exhibits to enlighten visitors on the judicial branch and its history. There are portraits of previous justices and sculptured busts for each of the former chief justices. Perhaps the best learning, though, happens in the court itself.
You can
watch the Supreme Court proceedings almost any day that it is in session, which is not every day. We can help groups find the best days for a Supreme Court visit during
Washington D.C. educational tours. When court is not in session, there are
lectures in it throughout the day. These are a great way to be immersed in the judicial experience and become fascinated yet again with the three-branches system of our democracy.
Other Washington DC Attractions: Arlington National Cem. | Capitol Hill | FDR Memorial | Illuminations Tour | International Spy Museum | Jefferson Memorial | Korean War Memorial | Lincoln Memorial | National Cryptologic Museum | National Law Enforcement Memorial | National Law Enforcement Museum | National Museum of Crime & Punishment | Smithsonian Air & Space | Smithsonian African Art | Smithsonian American Art | Smithsonian Mus. of History | Smithsonian Native American | The Pentagon | The Supreme Court | U.S. Holocaust Memorial Mus. | U.S. Marine Corps Memorial | U.S. Naval Observatory | Vietnam War Memorial | Washington Monument | White House Tours | White House Visitors Center | White House Photo Op
