How many justices serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

The U.S. Supreme Court is made up of nine justices, which includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This number has been established since 1869 and is defined by Congress. The justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve lifetime appointments unless they resign, retire, or are removed through impeachment.

Having nine justices helps to ensure a balanced and diverse perspective in the Court’s rulings, which is crucial for addressing the complex legal and constitutional issues that arise in the nation's highest court. This structure has allowed the Court to maintain stability and avoid tie votes, as an even number of justices could lead to deadlocks in decision-making. The other numbers mentioned in the choices do not reflect the current legal framework and historical context of the Supreme Court's composition.