Washington ( CNN ) -- They are already lining up outside the U.S. Supreme Court for public seating at next week 's oral arguments on same-sex marriage . People arrived on Thursday night when temperatures in the capital dipped into the 30s and had grown to about a half-dozen people by Friday afternoon . Those assembled at the base of the high court plaza were bundled in heavy coats and sitting in portable chairs . Groups will be allowed into the Supreme Court starting on Tuesday ahead of 10 a.m . ET arguments on California 's voter-approved ban on gay marriage known as Proposition 8 . A separate challenge to the federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act will be argued Wednesday . There are about 250 seats for the general public for each . High-profile cases typically attract lines early on . Some are spectators , while others are place-holders for big law firms or advocacy groups . Last year , spectators also lined up the weekend before the Supreme Court heard arguments on the health care reform law . Two lines eventually form out front of the court 's marble exterior , one for those who want to watch an entire argument and the other for those seeking a glimpse of the proceedings .
Arguments in about a half-dozen appeals set for Thursday in California . A few people arrived next week afternoon to stand in line for public seating . The biggest cases attract people well in advance of arguments . Some lining up will hold places for big law firms , advocacy groups .