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Why do Supreme Court justices serve life terms?

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A person ascends the steps of the west facade of the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., with its tall columns and a round fountain in the foreground. — Supreme Court of the United States The west facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building, Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court justices serve life terms to ensure judicial independence, which is considered an essential condition for protecting the judiciary from political or partisan control. By granting justices security of tenure, the system aims to insulate them from external pressures, such as intimidation or the influence of powerful actors, allowing them to make decisions impartially.12

Under the U.S. Constitution, justices hold their positions during "good behaviour," effectively meaning they serve for life. This protection ensures that judges are not subject to removal based on the political whims of the government. While this tenure is intended to be permanent, it is not absolute; a justice's service can be terminated through impeachment by the House of Representatives and subsequent conviction by the Senate for serious misconduct.312

Ultimately, this structure is designed to uphold the integrity of the Supreme Court of the United States by minimizing the influence of political forces on judicial decision-making.21