Supreme Court Introduces Online Lottery for Public Courtroom Seating

The U.S. Supreme Court is launching a new pilot program to allow the public to attend oral arguments and non-argument sessions through an online lottery. The program will replace the old first-come, first-serve system for courtroom seating, offering individuals a chance to secure reserved spots. Beginning in February 2024, those interested in attending sessions will be able to apply for tickets through the Court’s website. Applicants must submit their entries at least four weeks prior to each hearing. Lottery winners will be notified by email three weeks before the scheduled session. This change aims to provide more structured access to the Court’s proceedings and ensure a more equitable way to attend. For more details, the public can visit the Supreme Court's official site.