End of a Custom

When Chief Justice Earl Warren ran the Supreme Court, he particularly enjoyed an old ritual: the formal welcoming of lawyers newly admitted to practice before the nation's highest tribunal. The lawyers loved Warren's warm remarks, which papered over the fact that admission is a relatively meaningless honor. All it takes is two sponsors, three years' good standing before the highest court of a state, and a $25 fee. Few lawyers actually practice before the Supreme Court, but those who are admitted proudly receive a suitable-for-framing certificate to adorn the office wall for all potential clients to see.

Warren Burger doubtless shared his predecessor's pleasure in the welcoming ceremony. But last term the ritual grew so popular that it involved 3,965 lawyers and typically consumed half an hour of every four-hour Supreme Court session. Last week the court decided to curb the century-old custom. Though lawyers may still appear personally, they will now be encouraged to apply by mail and receive their admission certificates from the postman, not the Chief Justice. The change will satisfy efficiency experts, but somehow it gives the whole enterprise the feel of a mail-order diploma mill.

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