Fact Check: "Supreme Court justices are appointed for life in the United States."
What We Know
The claim that Supreme Court justices are appointed for life in the United States is based on the Constitution. Article III, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states that federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, "shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour." This has been interpreted to mean that justices can serve for life unless they resign, retire, or are removed through impeachment (source-1).
Historically, the lifetime appointment of justices was intended to ensure judicial independence, allowing them to make decisions free from political pressures. However, the actual practice of lifetime appointments can vary, as justices may choose to retire or resign, often influenced by the political climate or their personal circumstances.
Analysis
The assertion that Supreme Court justices are appointed for life is fundamentally accurate, as it reflects the constitutional provision for their tenure. However, it is essential to clarify that "for life" does not mean they cannot leave the bench; justices can and do retire or resign. For instance, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg served until her death, while Justice Anthony Kennedy retired, allowing President Trump to appoint his successor (source-1).
The reliability of the source, which is the U.S. Constitution, is exceptionally high, as it is a primary legal document that outlines the structure and function of the U.S. government. However, interpretations of the term "good Behaviour" can vary, and some legal scholars argue that the lifetime appointment could be re-evaluated in modern contexts (source-1).
It is also worth noting that while the lifetime appointment is a cornerstone of the judiciary, there have been discussions and proposals regarding term limits for justices, indicating that the concept of lifetime tenure may not be as absolute as it seems (source-1).
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
While the claim that Supreme Court justices are appointed for life is fundamentally correct based on constitutional text, the nuances of their tenure—such as the ability to retire or resign—complicate the assertion. Therefore, while the statement holds truth, it lacks the full context necessary for a definitive claim of "lifetime" service without exceptions.
