How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This structure has been established since 1869 and remains unchanged, with the court traditionally made up of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The number of justices can influence the balance of decisions made regarding constitutional interpretation and federal law, which can have significant implications for the legal system and governance in the U.S.

The selection of nine justices allows for the court to have a diverse range of opinions while also providing a mechanism to reach a majority decision. This number is codified in law, therefore not subject to frequent changes, ensuring stability in the judiciary.