written order of the Court. The assignments usually change only when the Court’s membership changes (see page 19).
Q: What if that Justice is unavailable?
A: The application goes to the next Justice junior in seniority; the Chief Justice ranks first, followed by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Q: What might TV be able to capture on camera when a "big" application is pending, or lawyers are about to file papers with the Court?
A: Not much. The fact is, most after-hour filings are either delivered by messenger or emailed to the Court. Since cameras are not permitted inside the building, unless a lawyer involved in a case has indicated he/she will be available to answer questions from the press outside, there's nothing to see. Please know that exterior filming is permitted on the public sidewalk only in front of the Court building.
Q: How can a reporter find out when an application has been acted on by the Court, and what action the Court took, particularly after hours?
A: During business hours, call the Court's Public Information Office: 202-479-3211 (press 1). You may also reach the office by emailing pio
supremecourt.gov. If an opinion or court order is released, the Public Information Office will email it to members of the press upon request.
