Predating the United States Supreme Court by 67 years, Pennsylvania's highest court was established by the General Assembly on May 22, 1722, a remarkable creation unprecedented in American history.
Penn, a self-taught lawyer who was jailed on dubious grounds five times in England, wanted a fair and competent court system. In the original constitutions drafted by Penn, he established a Provincial Court under the control of his British governors.
The General Assembly, however, espoused the principle of separation of powers, and formally called for a third branch of government starting with the 1701 Judiciary Bill, written by the brilliant Speaker David Lloyd of Chester County. Penn consistently rejected such measures. In 1722, the appointed British governor needed the House to raise revenues. House leaders agreed to raise taxes in return for an independent Supreme Court. Lloyd became its first Chief Justice.
 The first of sixteen panels titled, "The Opening of the Book of the Law." Placed over the center door, "Divine Law - The Keynote" represents the first page of an illuminated book. Its central feature is a monogram consisting of the intertwined letters L, A, and W, accompanied by other letters forming the words "Love", "And", and "Wisdom." A face in the background symbolizes Truth. Fifteen additional panels portray different aspects of the law. |