News writer
No more camping out for days or braving the D.C. chill — getting a seat at the Supreme Court just got a little easier. The nation’s highest court announced they are introducing a new online lottery system for select public seating.
With this new change, the court is offering a modern twist to seeing some of the country’s most pivotal moments.
The new online lottery system
This new online lottery system will start with cases that will be argued in late February. For those cases, seats will be distributed via lottery for arguments. There will also be seats available for sessions where the justices don’t hear new cases, but might announce decisions in previously argued cases.
While it is exciting news for people wanting to attend these sessions, the court did not say how many seats would be available through this online lottery. However, the courtroom does seat about 400 people, but sometimes only a few dozen seats are set aside for the public.
While these seats will be available through the online lottery system, officials said the line can start days before the arguments in high-profile cases. Because of that, some seating will remain for people who do wait in line.
How does the online lottery work?
For this new lottery system, the court said the public can request up to four seats. If they are chosen, they will be notified by email about three weeks before the session is to take place.
Any applications for future sessions will open shortly after the next monthly arguments calendar is released.
Live audio streams also available
If you aren’t able to make it to the nation’s capital to see these arguments in person, the Supreme Court has also made live audio available for all its arguments.
Streaming of these arguments were never allowed before by the justices, but that changed in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic closed the courthouse in March 2020, which forced the justices to take part in arguments remotely, via telephone.
The justices returned to in-person arguments in 2021 and the court welcomed the public back in 2022, but they still retained the livestream.
Tips for visiting the Supreme Court
If you are planning on heading to D.C. to see the Supreme Court in action, you should go with a game plan. Whether you’re entering the new online lottery or braving the elements to stand in line, hoping for a seat, we have some tips to help make that experience a little smoother.
When going, you should make sure to arrive early, even if you have a lottery ticket. The screenings at security are going to take some time. You should also dress appropriately and keep in mind that the courtroom maintains a formal setting. There are also no electronics — including phones — allowed inside the courtroom.
If you are planning on going and waiting in line, make sure you bring some snacks and maybe a good book to read. You will be waiting for hours, so this could help pass the time more quickly. And if all else fails and you aren’t picked for a seat in the courtroom, make sure to take a tour of the historic building for a closer look at its storied halls.
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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