You’ve seen it a thousand times. Nine people in black robes, some sitting, some standing, looking incredibly somber against a backdrop of heavy red velvet. It’s the "class photo" of the most powerful legal body in the United States. But honestly, there is a lot more going on in that picture of us supreme court justices than just a quick "cheese" for the camera.
It’s basically a ritual. A very stiff, very specific ritual that hasn’t changed much since the 19th century.
The Rules of the Pose
The way they stand isn't random. If you look at the current 2026 lineup—which still features the same nine members from the 2022 Ketanji Brown Jackson appointment—you'll notice a distinct pattern.
Chief Justice John Roberts is always front and center. That’s non-negotiable. From there, it’s all about seniority. The associate justices are fanned out based on how long they've been on the bench. The most senior associate justices sit in the front row with the Chief. The "newbies" (though some have been there for years) have to stand in the back.
Who sits where?
Currently, the front row looks like this:
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- Sonia Sotomayor (Seniority order)
- Clarence Thomas (The longest-serving member)
- John Roberts (The Chief)
- Samuel Alito
- Elena Kagan
In the back row, standing tall, you've got:
- Amy Coney Barrett
- Neil Gorsuch
- Brett Kavanaugh
- Ketanji Brown Jackson
It’s kinda funny because even if a justice is 6'4", if they’re junior, they’re standing. If they’re 5'0" and senior, they get the chair.
The Red Velvet and the "Curtain" Mystery
Ever wonder about that red background? It’s not just a fancy curtain they found in a basement. Since 1941, these photos have been taken inside the Supreme Court Building itself, specifically in the East Conference Room.
Before that, the justices actually had to travel to photography studios around D.C. Can you imagine the logistical nightmare of getting nine high-profile judges to march down the street to a guy like Mathew Brady or Alexander Gardner? Back in the 1860s, they actually did it.
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The red carpet and the velvet drapes became a "permanent" fixture of the official portrait around 1930. It’s meant to signal stability. In a world where politics is messy and fast, the Court wants to look like it never moves.
Mistakes People Make About the Photo
One big misconception is that they take a new photo every year. Nope. They only do a new official picture of us supreme court justices when the membership changes.
When Justice Breyer retired and Justice Jackson joined in 2022, the photographers came out. Since the lineup hasn't changed since then, the "current" photo you see in 2026 is actually from that October 2022 session.
Another thing? People think these are "portraits" in the sense of being paintings. While there are oil paintings of individual justices (usually commissioned when they retire or reach a milestone), the group shot is almost always a photograph. For a long time, the Associated Press veteran J. Scott Applewhite was the go-to guy for these shots. The Court also has its own internal photographer, Fred Schilling, who captures the official versions used by the government.
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The Secret "Funny" Photo
Here is a bit of trivia most people miss. Occasionally, the justices will loosen up. There is a famous story from 1950 where the photographer Fabian Bachrach caught the justices laughing.
It was a total accident. High-speed lighting was new, and something funny happened in the room. They only printed about 10 copies of that "smiling" photo—one for each justice and one for a private office. It didn't even go public for over a decade. Usually, the Court prefers the "we are very serious and impartial" look.
How to find the official high-res versions
If you’re looking for the authentic picture of us supreme court justices for a school project or a news article, don't just grab a blurry screenshot from social media.
The Supreme Court website has a "curator" section. They provide high-resolution files for public use, though they have strict rules. You can't use them for advertising or to make it look like the Court is endorsing your new keto diet or lawn care business.
Why the 2022-2026 photo is historic
This specific group shot is the first one in history to feature four women. It's also the first to include a Black woman, Justice Jackson. When you look at the photos from the 1950s—the "Warren Court" era—it’s a wall of white men in identical suits. The visual shift over seventy years is pretty jarring when you see them side-by-side.
Actionable Insights for Students and Researchers:
- Check Seniority: If you're identifying justices, always start from the center (Chief) and work your way out to the front-row ends, then the back row.
- Source the Curator: For the highest quality, always download from the
supremecourt.govOffice of the Curator. - Note the Background: If the background isn't red velvet, it's likely an unofficial "candid" shot or a photo from a specific event like a State of the Union address, not the official portrait.
- Verify the Year: Remember that the "newest" photo as of early 2026 is the 2022 session. There hasn't been a vacancy since.