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Draping of the Courtroom Doors

In accordance with Court tradition, a black drape is hung over the Courtroom doors as a sign of respect and mourning following the death of a Justice. This tradition dates back at least as far as the death of Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase in 1873, and is believed to have been followed for every Justice who has died since Chase’s passing. The death of a sitting Justice is also recognized by draping the chair of the late Justice and the front of the Bench where that Justice sat. Only the Courtroom doors are draped upon the death of a retired Justice, as seen here in memory of Justice David Souter. These signs of mourning are traditionally left in place for 30 days.

Justice Souter’s Biography.