Jackson Women's Health decision formally ended nearly 50 years of Roe, state legislatures had been enacting record-high numbers of abortion restrictions. A new class photo generally won't be taken until another justice joins the court.This devastating development came after years of accelerating threats to abortion rights and access. The justices also were photographed together at Jackson's ceremonial investiture last week. Jackson is standing at the far right.īecause no cameras are allowed in the courtroom when the justices hear arguments, the class photo is one of the few times the group is photographed together. The justices sit in order of seniority with the longest-serving justice, Justice Clarence Thomas, sitting on Roberts’ right. The four remaining justices stand behind them. Five of the justices are seated in their black robes with Chief Justice John Roberts in the center. Jackson participated in her first arguments this week because the justices began their summer break when she joined the court.įriday's formal photo captured by news photographers is sometimes called the group's “class photo.” In it, the justices are positioned in front of a red curtain, similar to their courtroom's red drapes.

It's also the first time the court has had two Black justices. It's the first time white men don't hold a majority on the court and the first time four women have served together. With her addition, the court marks a number of firsts. The new image includes Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black female justice, who joined the court in June. But it has never looked quite like the one taken on Friday. WASHINGTON (AP) - The group photo of the Supreme Court's nine members is a long-standing ritual.

Supreme court building photo