How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices, which includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This structure has been in place since 1869, providing a balanced and manageable number of justices to deliberate on cases. The number of justices is significant because it helps ensure a variety of perspectives and interpretations of the law, as well as to prevent tie votes, which could occur if the number were even. The justices are appointed for life, allowing them to make decisions free from political pressures once they are confirmed. The choice of nine is intentional, facilitating a robust dialogue among the justices while maintaining a clear majority for decisions.