How many judges serve on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This structure has been in place since the Judiciary Act of 1869, which established the number of justices and has remained unchanged. Each justice is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments unless they choose to retire or are removed through impeachment. The composition of nine justices allows for a balance of opinions and a diversity of perspectives when hearing cases that have significant constitutional and legal implications. This number is crucial for providing conclusive rulings, as an odd number of justices helps prevent ties in decision-making.