Amid the serious aura of legal deliberations, in a rather unexpected location, there is a place where the esteemed justices and clerks of the Supreme Court of the United States can engage in some physical activity. Known informally as "the highest court in the land," a basketball court sits atop the Supreme Court building, a floor above where the justices hear their cases. This somewhat hidden and amusingly titled gymnasium offers those within the judiciary building a chance to unwind with some hoops.
Constructed in the 1940s, the Supreme Court Building's indoor basketball court initially served as a storage room. Over the years, it was converted into a space for court employees to exercise and relax. The full-sized basketball court is equipped with a basic setup, including hoops at either end, although the ceiling is reportedly a bit lower than in standard setups, posing an extra challenge for jump shots and high passes.
The existence of the court is a well-loved anecdote among law students and legal professionals, emblematic of the blend of solemnity and normalcy within the nation's highest judicial institution. Stories about justices and clerks shooting hoops have contributed to the folklore of the judiciary, humanizing the figures involved in making some of the most critical decisions affecting the country.
However, it's not just basketball that has found a nook in the Supreme Court building. The facility, sometimes referred to as just "the gym," also includes a workout area with basic exercise equipment and is often used by employees throughout the day. Staff and clerks sometimes organize quick games or shoot around during their breaks, contributing to a sense of camaraderie and relieving the stresses of their high-stakes work environment.
Courthouse lore has it that few justices have played basketball on the court, perhaps due to the physical demands of the game and the rigorous nature of their positions. Still, the court has seen its fair share of legal minds attempting free throws and lay-ups, symbolizing a lighter, more relatable side of the judiciary. The court remains a charming and little-known aspect of the Supreme Court's daily life, rarely highlighted amid the high-profile cases and national legal debates. It stands as a reminder that even Supreme Court Justices need a place to relax and perhaps even shoot a few baskets after a long day of interpreting the Constitution.
