WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito joined colleagues in the courtroom for the first time Thursday, just for show, before the real work begins on issues including abortion, presidential wartime powers and the environment.

Alito, 55, had been on the job two weeks and been sworn in twice.

Justices have been on break for nearly a month. They meet today behind closed doors to consider some 800 appeals. Of those, a handful will likely be picked for oral arguments.

Next week, the court will announce the new batch of cases for argument sessions and hear arguments Tuesday in three cases involving government regulations under the Clean Water Act.

Alito replaced Sandra Day O’Connor, 75, who retired to spend more time with her family.