Rufus, a Harris hawk, has been patrolling the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for 12 years, keeping pigeons away from the courts. He has mentored a young falcon named Pollux, who will have a bigger role next year. Rufus is a celebrity with his own social media accounts and was recently featured in […]
Basketball court sizes vary based on level of play and available space. Organized leagues have standard sizes, while outdoor and recreational courts vary more. Important dimensions include rim height, free throw line distance, key width, and 3-point arc distance. The NBA and WNBA have similar court dimensions, while FIBA uses the metric system and has […]
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the country, with the power to interpret and defend the Constitution and strike down unconstitutional laws. It is made up of a panel of nine justices, including the Chief Justice, who are appointed by the President and serve for life. The Court has […]
William Howard Taft served as both President and Chief Justice of the United States. He was a lawyer and became the youngest US Attorney General at age 32. Some Supreme Court justices lacked legal training, and Harvard Law School has produced the most justices. William Orville Douglas was the longest-serving justice. William Howard Taft is […]
Visiting the Supreme Court in Washington, DC is possible during sessions which run from October to April. Visitors must arrive early and seating is first come, first served. Copies of decisions can be obtained from the Public Information Office. Many people interested in the functioning of the justice system in the United States visited the […]
Becoming a Supreme Court justice in the US does not require judicial experience, but a background in law is helpful. Nomination by the president and confirmation by the Senate are the only requirements. Candidates must be familiar with the law and politics and get recognized by the president. Once a vacancy arises, candidates are screened […]
Appomattox Court House is a village in Virginia where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, ending the American Civil War. Lee surrendered at the McLean home, which is now a protected national park. The surrender hastened the end of the war, but it officially ended two months later. Visitors can see […]
Bail bonds allow an accused person to be released from jail before trial, with a financial payment that is guaranteed. If the accused does not appear in court, the money will be forfeited. The court may not offer bail if the accused is a flight risk or poses a threat to the community. A third […]
A constitutional court is an appellate court that examines laws relating to the constitution. It hears cases sent by lower courts and may uphold, reverse, or remand decisions. It does not consider the case itself, only how the law has been interpreted in relation to the constitution. Once a decision is made, it stands as […]
The court jester tradition dates back to ancient times and is associated with medieval and renaissance Europe. The jester’s role was complex, walking a fine line between being a mere entertainer and a trusted confidant. Some jesters were disabled or trained musicians, actors, or artists. They entertained with stunts, music, and commentary on society. The […]
Supreme Court justices rely on legal advisers to draft opinions for the 100 cases discussed each year. Interning at the Supreme Court is highly sought after, but requires a doctorate in juris and experience as a federal appeals court employee. Staff research and write memoranda on “certificate-worthy” cases, and often draft the judges’ opinions. Only […]
The US Supreme Court has nine justices appointed by the president and approved by the Senate for a lifetime term. Congress determines the number of justices, which has changed several times since 1790, with the current number being nine. The Supreme Court has the power to decide whether laws are constitutional and has significant influence […]
The US Supreme Court is the highest court and its decisions are final. It receives around 5,000 petitions for writs of certiorari each year, which are reviewed by legal clerks and judges. The Rule of Four determines which cases are heard, with certiorari often granted for cases with far-reaching or conflicting issues. The Supreme Court […]
Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in London that can be visited by tourists. It was built in the 16th century and was home to King Henry VIII. The palace has gardens, a maze, an art collection, an astronomical clock, and is said to be haunted. The “Big Vine” and the Hampton Court Maze […]
The Court of Master Sommeliers trains wine stewards to become experts in wine and food pairing. The certification process consists of four levels, each with its own exam. Once all four exams are passed, the student is awarded the title of Master Sommelier and eligible to become a member of the court. Membership is highly […]
The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the world’s largest flower show in terms of attendance and event space. It includes exhibitions, workshops, and shopping areas, and aims to inspire home gardeners. The event was first held in 1990 and is now run by the Royal Horticultural Society. It caters to a wider audience than […]
Court stock is a light-flavored liquid used for poaching fish, eggs, and chicken. It’s made with lemon juice, water, fresh herbs, and sometimes vegetables, and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Bouillon cubes are not a good substitute. It can also be used to cook rice, potatoes, or couscous. Court stock roughly translates to short […]
The Matterhorn ride at Disneyland in California has a basketball court on top, but it was not built to bypass height restrictions as urban legends suggest. The court was used by climbers waiting for their turn to entertain guests by climbing the mountain in costume, but has since been removed due to renovations. To the […]
The US President nominates a Supreme Court Justice with Senate approval, and while legal experience is not mandatory, the vetting process is intense. The Senate Judiciary Committee investigates the candidate’s life and judicial activity, including potential biases. Candidates refuse to answer questions regarding how they would vote in a given set of circumstances, and controversial […]
To become a court administrator, one needs post-secondary training, related work experience, to apply for a job, and complete the interview process. Attention to detail and interpersonal skills are essential, and experience as an office manager or administrator may be helpful. Advancement opportunities depend on the size of the local court system. There are four […]
