You’ve seen them a thousand times. Nine people in black robes, sitting in a row, looking like they haven’t cracked a smile since the nineteenth century. Most people scroll past these supreme court justices pictures without a second thought, but there’s actually a ton of weird history and strict protocol hiding behind those red velvet curtains.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much effort goes into making a photo look that boring.
Since 1867, the Court has been doing this "class photo" thing. But back then, it wasn't a quick digital snap. The very first one, taken by Alexander Gardner, required the justices to actually leave the building and walk down to his studio on 7th and D Streets. Imagine today’s justices just strolling through D.C. traffic for a photo op. Not happening.
Why Do Supreme Court Justices Pictures All Look the Same?
If you feel like you’re looking at the same photo every year, you’re basically right. The Court is obsessed with tradition. They have a specific seating chart based on seniority that hasn’t changed since 1894.
The Chief Justice always sits front and center. To his right (your left) is the most senior Associate Justice. To his left is the second most senior. They keep alternating like that until the "newbies" end up standing in the back row on the ends.
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- The Red Carpet: They always stand on a specific red carpet in the East Conference Room.
- The Lighting: Since 2005, the Court has its own official photographer, Fred Schilling, who handles the digital sessions.
- The Vibe: It’s intentionally "Spartan." They want to look like a neutral, unchanging institution, not a group of celebrities.
Back in 1950, a photographer named Fabian Bachrach Jr. actually caught a "humorous" moment where the justices were laughing. Only ten prints were made. One for each justice and one for a private office. It took 11 years before the public even got to see it. The Court generally hates looking human in these things.
The Clandestine Snaps: When Cameras Sneaked In
You probably know that cameras are strictly banned inside the courtroom when they’re actually working. No video, no flash, no iPhones. If you try it, the Supreme Court Police will have you out of there before you can hit "upload."
But humans are sneaky.
In 1932, a German photojournalist named Erich Salomon faked a broken arm. He hid a camera inside his sling and managed to snap a shot of the Hughes Court in session. It’s a grainy, candid look at the bench that basically shouldn't exist. Five years later, an "enterprising amateur" (a young woman whose name we still don't officially know) cut a hole in her handbag and took another shot from her hip.
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These rogue supreme court justices pictures are the only reason we have any visual record of the "Lochner Era" court actually doing their jobs.
The Two-Minute Rule
When a new justice joins the bench, the press finally gets invited in for a "class photo." But it’s not a cozy hangout. Photographers like J. Scott Applewhite from the AP have talked about the "stopwatch" pressure.
They get exactly two minutes.
That’s it. You have 120 seconds to get a shot of nine of the most powerful people in the country. No "one more for the lighting." No "can you tilt your head?" The justices sit there, the shutters click like machine guns, and then the press is ushered out.
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Where to Find the Real Deal
If you’re looking for high-res versions or the history of a specific justice, don't just rely on a random Google Image search. The Office of the Curator at the Supreme Court manages the official collection.
They are surprisingly protective of these images. You can’t just use them for advertisements or to make it look like Justice Sotomayor is endorsing your new lawnmowing business. They keep a tight lid on "commercial endorsement" to protect the Court’s image of being above the fray.
Actionable Tips for Using SCOTUS Images:
- Check the Public Domain: Most official portraits taken by government employees (like the Court's official photographer) are in the public domain, but always verify the specific year and source.
- The Curator’s Office: If you need something historic—like a 19th-century tintype of the Waite Court—reach out to the Supreme Court Curator. They have archives that aren't all digitized yet.
- Respect the Rules: If you’re visiting the building, you can take photos in the public areas (ground floor), but don't even think about pulling out a camera in the Courtroom. They will take it.
- Identify by Seniority: When captioning, remember the "center-out" rule. If you can identify the Chief, you can usually figure out the rest by looking at who is sitting closest to him.
The whole point of these formal supreme court justices pictures is to show stability. While the rest of the world changes, the "brethren" (and now sisters) stay in that same formation, in those same robes, in front of those same curtains. It’s theater, sure, but it’s theater that defines American law.