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Activity Booklet


Symbols of Law

There are many symbols of law both inside and outside the Supreme Court Building. There are far more symbols than just the ones that appear here, but the slideshow below is a good place to start looking.



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the Scales of Justice.
Perhaps the most ancient symbol associated with the law is also one of the most familiar, the Scales of Justice. Symbolizing the impartial deliberation, or weighing, of two sides in a legal dispute, scales are found both inside and outside the Supreme Court Building.
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The Authority of Law statue combines the imagery of a tablet with the Latin word “LEX” (law).
Tablets are often used to represent the concept of law. The Authority of Law statue combines the imagery of a tablet with the Latin word “LEX” (law). The sword represents the power or authority of the law.
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Books appear as symbols representing learning, written knowledge, and judgment. In a few instances, the Latin word "LEX" is carved into the book, making it a symbol for a law book.
Books appear as symbols representing learning, written knowledge, and judgment. In a few instances, the Latin word “LEX” (law) is carved into the book, making it a symbol for a law book.

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For more information about symbols of law, see Architectural Information.
Symbols of Law
Authority of Law Statue

 





Unless otherwise noted, all images are from the Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States.

 

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