Supreme Court of the United States

FAQs - Visiting the Court


Visiting the Court


 Where is the Supreme Court located?

The Supreme Court of the United States is located at 1 First Street, NE between East Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue. View Map.


 What are the Court’s visitor hours?

The Supreme Court is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may affect public access to the building and visitor programs. Please check Today at the Court on the homepage for the Court's daily calendar.


 Do I need tickets or reservations to visit the building?

No, the building is open to the public and all visitor programming is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.


 How much time should I allow to visit when the Court is NOT in session?

A suggested visit would last approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours: 30 minutes for the Courtroom Lecture and 30-60 minutes to view the Exhibitions and public areas of the building. During the peak visitor months of April through June, visitors should anticipate longer wait times to pass through security.


 May I visit when the Court is in session?

Seating for Court sessions is provided to the public. The Supreme Court Building will otherwise be closed to the public on days when the Court is in session.


 Is photography permitted inside the building?

Yes, visitors may take photographs in public spaces for personal use. However, no photography is allowed inside the Courtroom at any time.


 How do I know when a case is scheduled for oral argument?

The Supreme Court Calendar is located on the home page. To find out what cases are on the Court’s Docket for oral argument, click on the argument days that are highlighted in red. The list of cases will appear below the calendar. Additional information on each case can be found by clicking on the case name and then again on the Questions Presented link.

Oral Argument Calendars are also available in both an HTML and PDF format. Click here.


 Where do I find information about courtroom seating and attending oral arguments?

All oral arguments are open to the public, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Before a session begins, visitors who would like to attend oral argument may form a single line in front of the building.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., police officers will begin to seat those who wish to attend an oral argument.

Please note that non-argument Court sessions are open to the public and seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.

For additional details, see Courtroom Seating and the Visitor's Guide to Oral Argument.


 What time should I start lining up to attend oral argument?

Visitors should be aware that cases may attract large crowds, with lines forming well before the building opens. Seating in the Courtroom is limited and cases may draw crowds of varying sizes; therefore it can be difficult to predict an arrival time that will guarantee seating. Seating for a session begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors may begin lining up in front of the building as early as they feel comfortable.


 Are there lockers or a checkroom available to visitors?

Yes, the checkroom and lockers are available on the First Floor. Please be advised that the checkroom closes 30 minutes after Court adjourns.


 What am I prohibited from bringing into the building?

Before entering the Supreme Court Building, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all personal belongings are screened by an x-ray machine. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds, please see the list of items strictly prohibited inside the building and in the Courtroom while Court is in session.


 Does the Court require certain attire for attending a Court session?

Sunglasses, identification tags (other than military), display buttons, and inappropriate clothing may not be worn in the Courtroom when Court is in session.


 May young children attend Court?

Yes, but given the formal nature and length of Court sessions, it is not recommended for infants or young children. Visitor programs such as the Courtroom Lectures and Exhibitions are appropriate for all ages.




 

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543