Courtroom Seating in the United States

Before the Supreme Court

Courtroom seating is extremely limited. Spectators from the general public are seated first come, first seated, either for an entire argument or on a short (three minute) rotation. Groups can request reserved seating of up to 15 persons by writing the Marshal of the Court as far in advance as possible. Seating for groups is very limited.

If arguing counsel wishes to reserve space in the public section, counsel must contact the Marshal’s Office after completing and returning the argument form to the Clerk.

Members of this Court’s Bar are invited to sit inside the brass railing. Before entering, they will be required to report to the Clerk’s assistant who is seated in the Lower Great Hall on the ground floor.

When the Bar section is filled, remaining Bar members will be seated in the Lawyers’ Lounge, where arguments can be heard through a loudspeaker.