Have to take something that is bound by oath or affirmation. The 34 word oath is written into the constitution but the fact that the Supreme Court justices, the chief justice in particular, swears them in, thats simply tradition. Its something thats happened for a couple centuries now. Tradition is important in this old town. I was learning that the parade started with George Washington when local militia sort of joined up as he was coming in april to new york in 1789. Old traditions meet new traditions. Welcome to cnns continuing coverage of inauguration weekend. Im erin burnett. And im john king. Were live in the Nations Capital on the National Mall for president obamas second inauguration. Plenty of excitement. A lot going on in the capital city. Cnn going to bring you all the big events and all the highlights. President Barack Obamas second term is officially under way for seven hours now. He took the oath of office at noon today, january 20th, as required by the u. S. Constitution