The Decalogue in the Supreme Court
I forgot to include this link to the Supreme Court's website discussing the use of the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments in the architecture of the Court building, and their symbolic role as they relate to the law. The following is the pertinent paragraph:
"Tablets of the Law: Throughout the history of western art, tablets have been used to signify 'the Law.' This tradition is closely associated with Moses, the Hebrew lawgiver, who according to the Book of Exodus descended from Mount Sinai with two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Over time, the use of two tablets has become a symbol for the Commandments, and more generally, ancient laws. Tablets signify the permanence of the law when 'written in stone.' Locations: In three spots, as part of larger sculptural groups, Moses is depicted with tablets: in the North Courtroom frieze, in the East Pediment and in one of the Great Hall metopes. Other tablets with the Roman numerals I-X appear on the support frame of the Courtroom's bronze gates; on the lower, interior panels of the Courtroom doors; and held by the figure representing 'Law' in the Library woodwork. A single tablet inscribed with 'LEX' is held by James Earle Fraser's Authority of Law, located to the right of the front steps. Also, a single tablet is centrally located in the East Courtroom frieze, entitled The Defense of Human Rights and the Safeguard of the Liberties and Rights of the People. This single 'pylon' with ten Roman numerals represents the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution."
"Tablets of the Law: Throughout the history of western art, tablets have been used to signify 'the Law.' This tradition is closely associated with Moses, the Hebrew lawgiver, who according to the Book of Exodus descended from Mount Sinai with two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Over time, the use of two tablets has become a symbol for the Commandments, and more generally, ancient laws. Tablets signify the permanence of the law when 'written in stone.' Locations: In three spots, as part of larger sculptural groups, Moses is depicted with tablets: in the North Courtroom frieze, in the East Pediment and in one of the Great Hall metopes. Other tablets with the Roman numerals I-X appear on the support frame of the Courtroom's bronze gates; on the lower, interior panels of the Courtroom doors; and held by the figure representing 'Law' in the Library woodwork. A single tablet inscribed with 'LEX' is held by James Earle Fraser's Authority of Law, located to the right of the front steps. Also, a single tablet is centrally located in the East Courtroom frieze, entitled The Defense of Human Rights and the Safeguard of the Liberties and Rights of the People. This single 'pylon' with ten Roman numerals represents the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution."
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