The Nine page 1

 the Nine page 1 by ric gustafson

Architect Cass Gilbert stood in front of his design. He was given the job of designing a new home for the Supreme Court. Gilbert's vision was for the building to be the greatest tribunal in the world. For the Supreme Court, Gilbert wanted a structure similiar to the Capitol, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

But how?. In 1928, Congress gave the Court a cramped piece of land. It was between the Capitol and the Library of Congress. Gilbert came up with the solution, The solution was steps. Gilbert envisioned a portico with a massive stairway. 44 steps leading up to 8 massive columns. Gilbert wanted 44 steps to be a march to justice.

The Supreme Court has been confronting political issues for more than 200 years. It has a mixed record of success and failure. John Marshall had a long tenure as Chief Justice. It was not until the tenure of Chief Justice Earl Warren that the Court asserted itself as independent and aggresive. 

research help: ' The Nine' by Jeffrey Toobin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric