How Many Justices Are On The Supreme Court?

"How many justices are on the Supreme Court?" is a question that all American citizens and residents should know the answer to. Sadly, if you were to ask random people on the street if they know how many justices there are on the Supreme Court, you'll most likely get more wrong than right answers. There are actually nine justices on the Supreme Court, consisting of a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

About the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. They have final say over the outcomes of cases that reach their desks as they are above all federal and state courts. The Supreme Court was created in 1789 under Article III of the United States Constitution, which states that "[t]he judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

Justices. Justices are nominated to the Supreme Court by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Justices serve for life unless they are removed through impeachment. Since the Supreme Court hears cases that greatly influence our way of life, the fight for the United States presidency grows even more heated when a Justice seat is due to become available. During the Senate confirmation process, the nominated person is grilled regarding his or her past decisions, personal views and ability to stay true to the Constitution.

The current Chief Justice is John G. Roberts, Jr. The eight Associate Justices are Antonin Scalia, Anthony M. Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. 

Famous cases. Over the years, the Supreme Court has heard important cases that have directly affected our rights. For example, "Brown v. Board of Education" decided that public schools must desegregate. "Miranda v. Arizona" established that people must be informed of their legal rights upon arrest. "Roe v. Wade" established the right of women to have abortions.