FindLaw > This Day in Legal History First Meeting of the United States Supreme Court

The first meeting of the United States Supreme Court occurred on February 1, 1790 in the Royal Exchange in New York City. At the time, New York was the nation’s temporary capital. However, because only three of the six justices were present, the court was adjourned until the following day.

To learn more about the Supreme Court and its history, click on the links below for informative articles and resources.

• The History of the Supreme Court - A brief history of the Supreme Court, including links to justices and other resources.

• Supreme Court Historical Society - Includes timelines of the Justices, historical information, and information regarding the various homes of the Court.

• The Third Branch Emerges in Marbury v. Madison - Read about the landmark case in which the Court asserted its power to review acts of Congress and invalidate those that conflict with the Constitution.

• "The Supreme Court" Television Series on PBS - A new documentary series on the Court.

• Supreme Court Resources:
  • FindLaw: Supreme Court Center Features current term Supreme Court docket, orders, briefs, argument calendar and more.
    
    • Briefs Features Supreme Court merit or amicus briefs.
      
    • Docket Features Supreme Court docket, question presented and more.
      
    • Orders Includes orders in pending cases.
  • U.S. Supreme Court Official Site.
    
  • Legal Information Institute's Supreme Court Collection From Cornell School of Law.
  • Supreme Court Opinions - Supreme Court decisions since 1893.

• Constitutional Law Resources:
  • FindLaw: Cases and Codes: U.S. Constitution
  • FindLaw Message Boards - Constitutional Law
  • Hot Topics in Constitutional Law