What was the true design purpose of the clock in the Old Supreme Court chambers?

The clock in the Old Supreme Court chambers was designed to chime one minute early. This unique design choice served a practical purpose; it was intended to ensure that justices and other attendees would arrive on time for the proceedings. By ringing one minute ahead, it effectively encouraged people to prepare and be ready for their court activities without the risk of being late. This feature highlights the importance of time management within the Supreme Court's operations, emphasizing punctuality in the judicial process.

In contrast, the other options either highlight concepts that do not align with the clock's design purpose or imply inaccuracies that would not aid in promoting timeliness. The notion of setting the clock five minutes ahead or being inaccurate by several minutes does not align with its intended function of ensuring timely arrival. Synchronization with noon bells, while related to timekeeping, does not specifically address the court's need for punctuality in its operations.