National University - Docket Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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The Palace of Justice o x THE thirteenth day of October, 1932, the American Bar Associa- tion conducted the formal ceremonies attending the laying of the cornerstone of the new home of the Supreme Court of the Lnited States on the square east of the Capitol and north of the Library of Congress. This majestic palace of justice, built in a classic style harmonizing with the architecture of the adjacent public buildings, is rapidly nearing completion under the supervision of Cass Gilbert, the noted Xew ork architect, and his associates, Cass Gilbert, Jr., and John R. Rockart. The work is under the charge of the Supreme Court Building Commis- sion, of which Chief Justice Hughes is Chairman. Actual operation is in charge of David Lynn, Architect of the Capitol, who is a member of the Commission and its Executive Officer. Congress authorized an appropriation of $9,740,000 for the building, and about $3,000,000 of this has been spent for marble alone. The struc- ture, which is 385 feet from east to west and 30 5 feet from north to south, has four open courtyards 64 feet square. Vermont marble is being used for the exterior and Georgia and Alabama marble for the interior. I he portico will be of the Corinthian order and there will be a low pilaster treatment around the building. Beautiful bronze window casings will set the whole off with striking effect. On the main axis of the plan will be the Supreme Court Chamber itself, 82 by 91 feet, characterized by appropriate simplicity and quiet dig- nity. A magnificent law library, reading room, ample conference rooms, rooms for the Justices and rooms for the use of attorneys will be provided in the second and third stories. Even special telephone booths and con- venient rooms will be available for the Press, and there will be special rooms for the Attorney General, the Solicitor General, the Clerk of the Supreme Court and the Marshal.