There is good news and bad news from the Supreme Court.  (I know, the sun rises in the east).

The bad news, in my view, is that the Court's main doors will now be closed to the public.  The Washington Post reports that, "as part of its $122 million modernization plan, the public will now enter the building on the plaza level, where a security checkpoint will make it easier to contain any risks." 

Security is an undeniable priority in this day and time, so it's difficult to second guess the decision.  Still, as Justices Ginsburg and Beyer noted, the open front doors had a symbolic value that I, for one, will miss. 

In more cheerful news, over the weekend I attended the clerk's reunion dinner for Justice Scalia.  I am pleased to report that the Justice looks to be in good health and in a good mood.  It was interesting that he went out of his way to compliment Justice Sotomayor for her intelligence and work ethic.  Perhaps it's that they're both New Yorkers from way back, but for whatever the reason, it fortified my tentative view that Sotomayor is not as scary, from Crime & Consequences purposes, as we might have feared.