US Supreme Court Chamber

This picture shows the Supreme Court Chamber where the 9 justices hear cases.

When cases are not being heard you can visit the Chamber.

Watching Oral Arguments

Beginning the first Monday in October, the Supreme Court hears up to four one-hour arguments a day, three days a week, in two-week intervals, concluding the oral argument portion of the Term in late April.

Oral arguments are conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, beginning at 10 AM and may continue until 3 PM with a one-hour recess at noon.

All oral arguments are open to the public, but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Before a session begins, two lines form on the plaza in front of the building.

One is for those who wish to attend an entire argument, and the other, a three-minute line, is for those who wish to observe the Court in session only briefly.

Please do not hold a space in either line for others who have not yet arrived.

Seating for the first line begins at 9:30 AM and 12:30 AM.

Seating for three-minute line begins at 10 AM and 1 PM.

The locations for these lines are marked with signs, and there is a police officer on duty to answer your questions.

Visitors should be aware that cases may attract large crowds, with lines forming before the building opens.

Obviously there are unavoidable delays associated with processing and seating large numbers of visitors, and your cooperation and patience are appreciated.

Court police officers will make every effort to inform you as soon as possible whether you can expect to secure a seat in the Court Chamber.