The Supreme Court has only been around since 1935 in its own courthouse. While the Constitution detailed the set up for Legislative and Executive Branches, it did not say the Supreme Court should have its own bar. Thus for centuries the high court remained a homeless branch of government, sheltered in whatever municipal structure was available until William Taft pushed for a standalone ceiling of justice. (Taft, non-coincidentally, was the only President also to serve as Chief Justice.) The cornerstone of the high court was set in 1932 by Herbert Hoover, and the building opened 77 years before the new Duval County Courthouse could pass its fire suppression inspection. Today the Contemplation of Justice sits on the left outside the Supreme Court steps, and the Authority of Law is on the right, while Liberty is enthroned at the center of the pediment, and Liberty looks to the future. Enjoy your Liberty while we celebrate our nation’s past—Have a Safe and Happy Independence Day
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