The first Monday of October is the traditional beginning of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term. In honor of the occasion and with all due respect to the nine justices who are about to convene, we are reminded of the words of one of our favorite curmudgeons.

H.L. Mencken pointed out the biggest difference between those who have reached the pinnacle of the legal profession and those who are just beginning. He said, “A judge is a law student who marks his own examination papers.”

You can celebrate today’s opening of the highest court in the U.S. by:

• Checking out these fun facts and stories about the United States Supreme Court.
• Reading these amusing and informative stories about the law and the lawyers and judges who work in the legal profession.
• Chuckling at these curmudgeonly observations by the late, great H.L. Mencken.
• Sending us your favorite law-related stories or quotes. Who knows? If we reprint what you send us, you might end up with a complimentary Unicorn Hunting License, compliments of your friendly neighborhood Commonplace Fun Facts staffer.