Supreme Court hanging up phone, back to in-person arguments
This Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, photo shows the Supreme Court in Washington. The Supreme Court's decision this past week not to interfere with the state's strict abortion law, provoked outrage from liberals and cheers from many conservatives. President Joe Biden assailed it. But the decision also astonished many that Texas could essentially outmaneuver Supreme Court precedent on women's constitutional right to abortion. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The justices are putting the “court” back in Supreme Court.
The high court announced Wednesday that the justices plan to return to their majestic, marble courtroom for arguments beginning in October, nearly 19 months after the in-person sessions were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The court said that oral arguments scheduled for October, November and December will be in person but that “Out of concern for the health and safety of the public and Supreme Court employees, the Courtroom sessions will not be open to the public.”
The court said that while lawyers will no longer argue by telephone, the public will continue to be able to hear the sessions live.