How long do members of the U.S. Supreme Court typically serve?

How long do members of the U.S. Supreme Court typically serve?

• A. 20 years
• B. Until age 70
• C. Lifetime
• D. For the duration of the justice's service

Answer: (C)

Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are appointed for life. This means they serve for the rest of their lives unless they choose to retire or resign, or are removed through impeachment. The Constitution describes judges as holding their office during “good behavior,” which effectively establishes lifetime tenure to protect judicial independence from political pressures. In practice, many justices serve for several decades, contributing to stability in how laws are interpreted. The ideas of fixed terms or a retirement age aren’t how the court operates, since there’s no set term length or mandatory age limit for service.

Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are appointed for life. This means they serve for the rest of their lives unless they choose to retire or resign, or are removed through impeachment. The Constitution describes judges as holding their office during “good behavior,” which effectively establishes lifetime tenure to protect judicial independence from political pressures. In practice, many justices serve for several decades, contributing to stability in how laws are interpreted. The ideas of fixed terms or a retirement age aren’t how the court operates, since there’s no set term length or mandatory age limit for service.