Longest-serving U.S. Supreme Court justices

Written by

Brian Duignan

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 11, 2026 •History

Nearly every U.S. Supreme Court justice has contributed significantly to the understanding and legal application of the Constitution of the United States. Their interpretations have varied over time, of course, but their official rulings have sustained, altered, or eliminated important federal or state laws and accordingly changed life in America. Below is a list of 10 Supreme Court justices who have served the longest terms, dating from their Senate confirmations. The terms of nine of...