Ashworth Paralegal Practice Exam

The U.S. Supreme Court is composed of nine justices. This number has been set since 1869 and is established by Congress. The structure of having nine justices allows for a majority decision to be reached, which is particularly important in cases that involve significant constitutional interpretations and controversial issues.

Each justice is appointed for life, with the understanding that they can serve until they choose to retire or are removed through impeachment. Having nine justices helps maintain a balance of perspectives on the Court, contributing to a more thorough deliberation of cases brought before it. The number of justices is vital in ensuring that the Court can function effectively, especially during close cases where a majority ruling may be necessary.

The other options reflect incorrect perceptions of the Court's composition. Some historical contexts might have led to different numbers of justices, but nine has been a stable standard for over a century.