How Many Supreme Court Justices Are There

There are a total of 9 Justices on the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and eight Associate Justices, who are nominated by the President and confirmed with the “advice and consent” (majority vote) of the Senate. Once appointed, Justices effectively have life tenure, serving “during good Behaviour”, which terminates only upon death, resignation, retirement, or conviction on impeachment.

Since 1869, there have always been nine Supreme Court Justices. One of them is the Chief Justice, and the other eight are the Associate Justices. The number of the Supreme Court Justices is odd on purpose. This allows them to avoid ties, and all their decisions are final.

Supreme Court Justices 2012

1. JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR. (Chief Justice of the United States)
2. ANTONIN SCALIA
3. ANTHONY M. KENNEDY
4. CLARENCE THOMAS
5. RUTH BADER GINSBURG
6. STEPHEN G. BREYER
7. SAMUEL A. ALITO, JR.
8. SONIA SOTOMAYOR
9. ELENA KAGAN