Supreme Court of the United States - Public Information Office

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The Supreme Court, majestic in size and rich in ornamentation, serves as both home to the Court and the manifest symbol of its importance as a coequal, independent branch of government. It surprises many visitors to learn the Supreme Court was not provided with its own building until 1935, the 146th year of its existence. Until then, the Court had sat in various locations, including in the U.S. Capitol. Finally in 1929, Chief Justice William Howard Taft, who had been President of the United States from 1909 to 1913, persuaded Congress to authorize the construction of a permanent home for the Court. HIGHLIGHTS: The statues of seated figures on the sides of the front stairway- the Contemplation of Justice. and the Guardian or Authority of Law. An architrave above the 16 marble columns at the front entrance, on which is inscribed the famous phrase ``Equal Justice Under Law.¿¿ The bronze doors at the West front entrance depicting historic scenes in the development of law. The grand corridor leading to the Courtroom, known as the Great Hall. Busts of all former Chief Justices. The frieze is decorated with medallion profiles of lawgivers and heraldic devices. he Court Chamber The statue of John Marshall The two marble and bronze spiral staircases.