In 1929 Chief Justice and former President (1909-1913) William Howard Taft persuaded congress to authorize a separate and permanent home for the Supreme Court. Construction began in 1932, and although Taft would not live to see it completed, the Courthouse was finished in 1935. The building was designed to expose dignity and the importance of the Court as a coequal independent branch of the United States Government.

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The building's general dimensions are 385 feet from east to west (front to back), and 304 feet from north to south. At its greatest height the building rises four stories tall. There are sixteen marble columns by the main entrance, and many more throughout the structure. These provide structural support, and blend the Courthouse

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with the architectural style of the other congressional buildings on Capitol Hill. On either of the main steps are seated marble figures. On the left is a female figure, the Contemplation of Justice. On the right is a male figure, the Guardian or Authority of Law. Above the doors the purpose of the Supreme Court "Equal Justice Under Law" is engraved. Cresting the top of the main entrance is a sculptured group by Robert Aiken. The sculpture depicts a scene of Liberty Enthroned guarded by Order and Authority, and each figure represents a prominent individual of law or the creation of the Supreme Court building.

The Supreme Court is located across from the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, if you would like to visit the Courthouse without going to Washington continue on Court TV's Virtual Tour and enter the Supreme Court Chamber.