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Supreme Court Oral Arguments

Attending Supreme Court oral arguments as part of a law school field trip. Landmark case, packed courtroom, absolute silence as the Chief Justice asks a cr

From the story archive · Fictional encounter

Attending Supreme Court oral arguments as part of a law school field trip. Landmark case, packed courtroom, absolute silence as the Chief Justice asks a critical question. That's when—BRRRAAAP—a barking spider decides to submit an amicus brief.

The Chief Justice paused, then said, "I believe that opinion was not scheduled for today's docket." The entire courtroom, including all nine justices, erupted in laughter. Most constitutional barking spider moment ever.

Compare the sound with our listening shelf.

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