In line. Gonna go see the inside of the Supreme Court. V excited, even though this morning is a technical insurance case and I’ll only be inside for three minutes. 
Folks already camping out in front of Supreme Court to see tomorrow’s big abortion case.
If you want to see Supreme Court oral arguments, come get in line early. The first folks get in to see the whole case. After that, they let people in in small groups for 3-minute peeks. supremecourt.gov/visiting/visit…
How early should you arrive for SCOTUS? Depends on the significance of the case. Before 8 for a minor case, before 7 for medium, and *previous morning* for biggies. abovethelaw.com/2010/03/first-…
Guard just announced: “We’re not taking any more people for the full argument. This is now the 3-minute line.” Thankfully, it’s a gorgeous day for waiting outside.
Today’s SCOTUS case asks if states can pass laws saying that ex-spouses, by default, cease being the beneficiaries of life insurance policies after divorces. An ex-spouse is arguing “no way!” but the kids say “yes way!”
Pro tip: If you have to go to the bathroom while you’re in line, have someone hold your spot, then go in the side entrance to the right. There’s a whole visitor’s center down there with exhibits and a glowering statue of John Marshall.
“EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW”: def here for it
I’m going in.
Up the stairs. Courtroom is close. Just like with Disney, it’s a multi-step line that makes the final destination more exciting. Heart speeding up.
I’m out! That was awesome. I was in the final group; got to see Qs by RBG & Gorsuch, final argument, & closing gavel. Thomas rocked in his chair, Kennedy leaned back, RBG hunched fwd, others sat straight, sometimes w elbow on table. Clerks sat behind justices. Very Supremey.
After getting the “no phones, no recording devices” speech on the stairs, they bring us into this vast entryway & have us put electronics & coats into lockers at the back. Bring a quarter for the locker! (New friend from line gave me one.) Then a final line to get in.
This is what it looks like inside, from exactly where I was sitting, plus people. (Not my photo.) No photography or recording allowed when court is in session, although there’s a sketch artist.
You can pick up a handy guide to the justices in the visitor’s center downstairs, although I’m guessing most visitors don’t need it.
One weird thing about my Supreme Court visit: I looked and looked for Merrick Garland, but I couldn’t see him anywhere—despite my distinct memory of him being nominated to fill Scalia’s empty seat. Need new glasses, I guess.
... so concludes my visit. If you have the chance to go, I heartily recommend it. Also, to my non-expert eyes, the lawyer arguing for the Sveen kids today did a great job mixing it up with Gorsuch, who should not be on the court. Thanks for following along!
