Supreme Court

Once each month, the Nebraska Supreme Court’s seven appointed justices hear oral arguments in an acoustically perfect chamber finished with American Walnut wood.

The Supreme Court Chamber and its furnishings are constructed of American Walnut wood. The public benches, wainscoting, railing, and attorney’s tables and chairs are solid walnut. The Justice’s bench at the front of the Chamber is inlaid with many different kinds of wood. The frieze of the walnut paneled wall behind the bench is inlaid with an inscription from Heraclitus:

EYES AND EARS ARE POOR WITNESSES WHEN THE SOUL IS BARBAROUS

The 8000 piece carved walnut ceiling aids in the acoustical quality of the Chamber. It has coffers which along with the Guastavino Acoustic Tile walls capture sound waves and prevent echos. The public is welcome to attend the court’s sessions and enter from the rear of the Chamber. There are three large tapestries decorating the walls. Hand woven with natural fibers and dyes, the tapestries represent the early exploration and settlement of the Louisiana Territory.

Supreme Court bench

Supreme Court bench

Judge's bench in Nebraska Supreme Court

Supreme Court public seating

Supreme Court public seating

Supreme Court Ceiling

Supreme Court Ceiling

Carved walnut Supreme Court ceiling

Supreme Court ceiling detail

Supreme Court ceiling detail

Detail of Supreme Court coffered ceiling

Sup Ct 4

Sup Ct 4

Edgewater Tapestry representing the Overland Trails

Tapestry detail

Tapestry detail

Supreme Court tapestry border detail

Supreme Court bracket lamp

Supreme Court bracket lamp

Bracket wall lamp in Supreme Court