The Last Word in the law is

The U.S. Supreme Court.

 

Here we see The Supreme Court and The Capitol dome as viewed from the sixteen majestic marble columns at the main west entrance of The U.S. Supreme Court of the United States of America, plus pics of its door and of course yours truly, on March 13, 2023.

“The bronze doors, centered behind the massive columns of the front portico, signify the importance of the proceedings that occur within the Courtroom. The oversized doors measure 17 feet high and 9 ½ feet wide, and weigh approximately 13 tons.

“The doors were designed by Gilbert and John Donnelly, Sr. and sculpted by his son, John Donnelly, Jr. Each door is made up of four bas-reliefs which represent significant events in the evolution of justice according to Western tradition in chronological order. The thematic sequence begins on the lower left panel, moves up to the top of the door then continues on the bottom right panel and concludes on the upper right corner.”

[From supremecourt.gov, 3-20-23. Below is from the linked pdf.]

1. SHIELD OF ACHILLES
This panel depicts a scene found on the Shield of Achilles as described in Homer’s Iliad. Two men bring
a dispute before the elders (not depicted) who will each pass judgement. The elder with the fairest verdict
will be awarded the two coins on the pedestal and his verdict is adopted by the whole body.
2. PRAETOR’S EDICT
A Roman praetor (magistrate) publishes his edict proclaiming the validity of judge-made or “common”
law. On the right is a soldier, who may represent the power of government to enforce the common law.
3. JULIAN AND SCHOLAR
Julian, one of the most prominent law teachers in Ancient Rome, instructs a pupil. According to the
Donnellys, this represents “the development of law by scholar and advocate.”
4. JUSTINIAN CODE
This panel depicts the publishing of the Corpus Juris by order of the Roman (Byzantine) Emperor
Justinian in the sixth century AD. This is considered to be the first codification of Roman law.
5. MAGNA CARTA
King John of England is coerced by the Barons to place his seal upon the Magna Carta in 1215.
6. WESTMINSTER STATUTE
King Edward I watches as his chancellor (secretary) publishes the Statute of Westminster in 1275. The
Donnellys’ description states “The greatest single legal reform in our history.”
7. COKE AND JAMES I
England’s Lord Chief Justice Coke bars King James I from the “King’s Court,” making the court, by law,
independent of the executive branch of government.
8. MARSHALL AND STORY
The Donnellys describe this event as Chief Justice John Marshall and Associate Justice Joseph Story
discussing the 1803 Marbury v. Madison opinion in front of the U.S. Capitol. It should be noted that
Justice Story did not join the Court until 1812, nine years after this historic decision was handed down.

The U.S. Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
The U.S. Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23. Inscribed above its entry are the words “EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW”.
U.S. Capitol from the Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
U.S. Capitol from the Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
Side view.
Side view.
Yours truly at The U.S. Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
Yours truly at The U.S. Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
U.S. Capitol from the Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
U.S. Capitol from the Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
The door to The U.S. Supreme Court Building is amazingly large and made of bronze.
U.S. Capitol from the Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.
U.S. Capitol from the Supreme Court Building, 3-13-23.

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