| Several closely guarded
traditions are key to the function and image of the Supreme Court,
and they have endured over the past two centuries. Most critical
of these is the ability of the court to keep a private and tightly
run ship while protecting its authority over the laws that govern
the American public.
In accordance with legal statute, the Supreme Court term begins
every year on the first Monday in October. The term generally
lasts until late June. Terms used to officially "end"
once the court had resolved all its current business, but due
to the unpredictable need for the court to be called into action
under special circumstances, terms were extended technically through
the summer until the  beginning
of the next term.
The
high court's sessions are generally divided between "sittings,"
during which justices hear arguments and issue decisions, and
"recesses," during which they attend to other court
business while discussing and constructing opinions or dissents.
Since around 1800, the nine justices have worn traditional black
judge's robes while hearing arguments or when appearing in an
official capacity representing the court. In chambers, they sit
around a crescent shaped judges bench in order of seniority --
chief justice in the center and the eight associate justices staggered
on his right and left based on their tenure on the court. Seniority
is an important tradition in the court and provides order for
much of the court's procedure and the justice's work, including
what order they vote and speak during case conferences.
Justices
also participate in the traditional "conference handshake"
when they assemble to enter an argument session. All justices
shake hands as they gather to enter the court, a tradition established
by Chief Justice Melville Fuller in the late 1800s to symbolize
the cohesiveness of all the judges in the court's purpose, despite
differences they may have in ideology. Justices partake in a similar
conference handshake when meeting to review petitions before the
court or voting to decide cases.
In
earlier times, lawyers would wear formal "morning clothes"
when addressing the high court, one tradition that has ebbed in
modern times. According to the Supreme Court Historical Society,
only lawyers from the Department of Justice or other lawyers representing
the government still follow the formal dress tradition.
White
quill pens are also a signature element of the Supreme Court.
They are placed on counsel tables and are a popular souvenir for
attorneys that have the opportunity to address the court.
Scheduled argument sessions begin promptly at 10 a.m. on Mondays,
Tuesdays and Wednesdays with the court marshall calling, "The
honorable, the chief justice and the associate justices of the
Supreme Court of the United States."
As the justices enter the court, the Marshall gives the traditional
call for silence, or "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! All persons having
business before the honorable, the Supreme Court of the United
States, are admonished to draw near and give their attention,
for the court is now sitting. God save the United States and this
honorable court."
Generally, two cases are heard per argument day. Since 1955 oral
argument sessions have been taped to provide an audio record,
but video cameras or any kind of photography is forbidden inside
the courtroom.
Above all, the court's secrecy could be considered its best-kept
tradition. Of the numerous Washington government agencies, it
remains virtually leak proof, with a loyal staff and tight security.
Indeed the most insight into the court's procedures come from
the writings and remarks of the justices, such as the papers of
the late Justice Thurgood Marshall, which are considered a wealth
of information on the inner workings of the court.
-- Compiled by Maureen Hoch
for the Online NewsHour
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