There's a Basketball Court on the Top Floor of the Supreme Court

High above the solemn chamber where lawyers argue landmark cases, a different kind of court holds session. On the fifth floor of the United States Supreme Court building lies a small basketball court, aptly and unofficially nicknamed "the highest court in the land." This unique recreational space is not a public attraction but is primarily used by the hardworking law clerks and other building employees, offering a much-needed escape from the intense legal scholarship happening just a few floors below.

This athletic facility was not part of architect Cass Gilbert's original 1935 design for the building. The large, open room was initially intended as a storage area for journals and records. It was only later that the space was converted into a workout area, eventually including the basketball court, to provide a convenient place for physical activity. For law clerks, who face immense pressure and notoriously long hours researching and writing, the court serves as a vital outlet for exercise and stress relief.

While mainly used by staff, several justices have been known to frequent the gym, including former professional football player Justice Byron "Whizzer" White and Chief Justice William Rehnquist. However, there is one strict rule that governs play: all activity must cease whenever the official Court is in session. This ensures that the sound of a bouncing basketball never interrupts the sober administration of justice taking place in the courtroom directly below.