How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This number has been established since 1869 and includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The role of the justices is to interpret the Constitution and federal law, making their decisions significant in shaping American law and society.

Understanding the structure of the Supreme Court is pivotal, as it demonstrates the judicial branch's role in the government. Each justice is appointed for life, reflecting the intended independence of the judiciary. This system allows the Court to operate without direct political pressures, aiming for impartiality in the application of the law.

The choice of nine justices balances the need for a sufficient number to deliberate effectively while maintaining a manageable size for decision-making. Any deviation from this number, such as having eight, ten, or eleven justices, would not align with the established norm and would cause various complications in the Court's functioning and case outcomes.