United States Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, in Washington

The Supreme Court of the United States embodies the judicial power of the nation, in a neoclassical building with the appearance of an ancient temple. The Washington audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this highest instance of American justice, which completes, with the Capitol and the White House, the separation of powers.

The temple of the judicial power

In Washington, you find the White House, seat of the executive power, the Capitol, seat of the legislative power, and in front of us, the seat of the judicial power: the Supreme Court of the United States. These three institutions embody the separation of powers, founding principle of American democracy. The Supreme Court is the highest jurisdiction of the country: composed of nine judges appointed for life, it watches over the respect of the Constitution and renders decisions of historic significance, that profoundly mark American society on the great subjects of society, rights and freedoms. Its seat, completed in the 1930s, is an imposing building of white marble, designed as a temple of ancient Greece, with its façade with Corinthian columns, its great staircase and its sculpted pediment bearing the famous engraved motto: Equal Justice Under Law. This solemn architecture expresses the majesty and the impartiality of justice. The building, neighbour of the Capitol, completes the monumental ensemble of the political heart of the nation. A symbol of justice and democracy, the Supreme Court is a fine stop of the discovery of Washington.

What to see

You admire the seat of the judicial power of the United States, the highest jurisdiction of the country composed of nine judges who watch over the respect of the Constitution, in an imposing building of white marble designed as a Greek temple, with a façade with Corinthian columns and a pediment engraved with the motto Equal Justice Under Law; neighbour of the Capitol, it completes the separation of powers. The Supreme Court is a symbol of justice in Washington. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Supreme Court lies facing the Capitol, in Washington, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its façade from the surroundings; certain parts can be visited according to their own hours and conditions, which vary, outside the sessions of the Court. It is best to check them before coming.

What is the Supreme Court in Washington?

The seat of the judicial power of the United States and the highest jurisdiction of the country, composed of nine judges appointed for life who watch over the respect of the Constitution; completed in the 1930s, its seat is an imposing building of white marble designed as a Greek temple, with the engraved motto Equal Justice Under Law, neighbour of the Capitol.

Where is the Supreme Court in Washington?

Facing the Capitol, in Washington, in the United States.