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

The U.S. Supreme Court is composed of nine justices. This number has been established since 1869 and remains unchanged to this day. The justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments unless they choose to retire or are removed through impeachment. The structure of the Supreme Court with nine justices helps ensure a balance of opinions and promotes thorough deliberation on cases, as an odd number minimizes the possibility of ties in decision-making. The presence of nine justices allows for a broader diversity of legal thought and perspectives when interpreting the Constitution and federal laws, which is essential for a court that plays a critical role in the American legal system.