The Federal Judiciary

The Supreme Court of the United States of America is established in Article III of the Constitution. While the Constitution formally provides for a "Chief Justice" of the Court, it leaves the actual size of the Court up to the Congress. The Congress originally provided for five Associate Justices (for a total of six). The Congress periodically expanded and contracted the size of the Court from seven to nine to ten, back down to six and then back up to its current level of nine. (For practical purposes, the Court tends to function better when there are an odd number of Justices, thereby disallowing the possibility of tie votes.) For a current listing of Supreme Court Justices, see "Quick Facts" about the Federal Judiciary.

The Supreme Court is located just northeast of the United States Capitol. In fact, this building itself is closer to the Capitol than some congressional offices. The impressive building and location of the Court today belie its earlier lack of stature in the American political system. Its evolving role is a significant part of America's history.

The size of the Supreme Court is determined by the Congress. There are currently nine justices on the Court--a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. When a vacancy opens on the Court, the President nominates a new Justice who is then confirmed or rejected by the Senate. If confirmed, the nominee becomes a member of the Court and holds that office "during good behavior." In other words, short of committing an impeachable offense, Supreme Court Justices serve for life or until they voluntarily retire.