The Supreme Court has dark - and really weird - secrets.
The idea of the Supreme Court is weird enough as it is. They're ghostly, robed, skeletons who meet in a giant, Greek-inspired stone building to decide the moral boundaries of a nation.
But it gets weirder when you learn they have a secret basketball court, once debated about the status of tomatoes, have secret doors in their courtroom, and they're not even required to wear the robes. It's a choice they make on their own, every day.
Do a deep dive into our strange council of elders that are the ultimate deciders.
1
Justice Byron White occasionally brought his dog to work.
The dog was reportedly seen inside the Supreme Court buildings
2
There is a private cafeteria inside the Court building
It is primarily for use by justices, clerks, and staff.
3
The Supreme Court only hears about 1% of cases submitted to it
Each year, thousands of petitions are filed, but only about 70–80 are granted full review.
4
The Supreme Court Building has its own police force
The Supreme Court Police are responsible for security and protection of justices, staff, and the building itself.
5
The courtroom has trap doors behind the bench
These allow justices to enter and exit discreetly and securely.
6
The public can attend oral arguments in person
Admission is free, but space is limited and lines often form early in the morning.
7
Justice Clarence Thomas went ten years without asking a question during oral arguments.
From 2006 to 2016, he remained silent during hearings but still voted and wrote opinions.
8
In the early years, justices were required to travel and hear cases across the country
This practice, known as “riding circuit,” continued until the late 19th century
9
In Nix v. Hedden (1893), the Court ruled that tomatoes are vegetables
The decision was based on common usage rather than botanical classification.
10
Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom
Audio recordings are released, but photography and video recording are prohibited during sessions.
11
The Supreme Court did not have a permanent home until 1935
Before that, it met in various locations, including the basement of the U.S. Capitol
12
Justices are not legally required to wear black robes
The black robe is tradition, not law. Some justices have personalized their robes in the past, like Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who added four gold stripes to the sleeves of his robe.
13
There is a basketball court inside the Supreme Court building
The "Highest Court in the Land" is located on the top floor and is used by court employees for recreation
14
Justice Stephen Breyer once fell asleep during oral arguments
This occurred during a particularly lengthy and technical session.
