Rehiked the Highest Court of the Land

One visit to the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land, was not sufficient for our judicial desires. Yesterday, the majority of our group returned to take a curator's tour, which Justice Thomas' clerk graciously helped set up.

Casual morning detour to the Capitol

We've been here for two months, but we're still awkward tourists...

Supreme Court, or is it? It's under construction (like everything in this city!), so this is actually a cover)

We had 20 minutes to spare and since the Capitol is literally across the street from the Supreme Court, we decided to seize the opportunity for a photoshoot. Although all fifteen of us were not there, it was nice to finally have a group photo in front of it!!! The week is busy since we all work all day and do homework at night, but I do love our group.

Once we were finished strutting our stuff, we strolled over to the court for the tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. She herself used to be a judge of a local court, so she knows a LOT about law and judicial history.

Actually, funny story about that--- When our tour guide introduced herself, I could have sworn she referred to herself as an "intern." Now, not to stereotype, but the woman was clearly older and interns are typically young undergraduate or sometimes graduate students. So, it struck me as odd and i whisper to my friend, "That's weird how she's an intern like we are..." All he replied was "Yeah," so I assumed I did hear her correctly. Well, I presumed wrong (as usual).

Of course, when we were all in an elevator to go from the library (which was GORGEOUS by the way) to the ground level, I wanted to make small talk. I mean, we were on top of each other. I did not have any questions about the tour, since it was pretty generic to be frank despite how awesome it was, I wanted to ask her a more personable question. So, naturally, I asked, "How long have you been interning here?" Immediately, people from my group gave me shocked and even some disgusted looks. I think my face turned because I definitely felt SO embarrassed from that moment. Then, she replies, "I'm not an intern. I'm a curator. Not that it matters, but interns are usually much younger.  I do this for fun." OOPS!!! I need to start making a list of safe small-talk questions to ask since I seem to box myself into these corners often! (Refer to blog post called "Intern Moment.")

John Marshall, the supreme court justice who is thought to be the best to date, greeted us at the entrance

Can there BE anymore marble?!

Separation of Church and State --- KIDDING! Bad, nerdy joke. This is, however, the curtain that separates the court from the hallway.

Where the justices sit --- The curator said there actually is an order to the seating with the most important justice appropriately seated in the center

The Chamber of Secrets!!!!!! ... But actually...

Nbd, we've only been here before... (East Conference Room where we talked with Justice Thomas last week)

OBVI where the supreme court justices meditate

Actually, another funny story about that--- Last week, after Justice Thomas pointed to the courtyard and then across it to Justice Scalia's chambers, my friend and I were talking about how often we think the justices actually lounge/study there. We joked about how we definitely couldn't envision Justice Scalia as the type to meditate outside...

West Conference Room --- They were preparing for an ice cream social for that day! We clearly chose too early of a time to take the tour...

The Master Staircase --- I see you.

My favorite part of the tour was actually the library. Maybe, it's the English major in me that favors a room full of books, but I found the room fascinating. Not only was it so beautiful in its very intricate designs, but the amount of books amazed me. I believe that most peoples' initial connotation of a judge is that they simply listen to a case and use their natural instinct to make a final decision. Although I am sure many of us - even those of us who are well educated - actually know that this isn't true, it is easy for us to envision judges like that through shows like Law & Order. However, the amount of history, laws, facts, and details that the supreme court justices, judges, and lawyers need to know is outstanding. Just looking around at all of the books and cases gave me a new appreciation for the judicial branch beyond the criminal side. It made me appreciate how law involves so many realms of thought from history to ethics to analysis to politics. It truly is such an interesting field. I see what Justice Thomas meant  by saying that his experience in that branch was surprisingly pleasing.

Just a bunch of fools, making a monumental exit