How long does a Supreme Court Justice serve?

How long does a Supreme Court Justice serve?

• A. Life (the remaining number of years)
• B. Ten years
• C. Six years
• D. Four years

Answer: (A)

Justices hold a lifetime appointment, meaning they serve for life unless they choose to resign or pass away. The Constitution describes this as serving “during good behavior,” so there isn’t a fixed term like ten, six, or four years. This lifelong tenure helps keep the judiciary independent from political shifts in the other branches, allowing justices to base decisions on the Constitution and the law rather than on re-election pressures. The other options describe fixed terms that don’t apply to the Supreme Court.

Justices hold a lifetime appointment, meaning they serve for life unless they choose to resign or pass away. The Constitution describes this as serving “during good behavior,” so there isn’t a fixed term like ten, six, or four years. This lifelong tenure helps keep the judiciary independent from political shifts in the other branches, allowing justices to base decisions on the Constitution and the law rather than on re-election pressures. The other options describe fixed terms that don’t apply to the Supreme Court.