Lifetime appointment structure

Definition

The lifetime appointment structure refers to the practice where justices of the U.S. Supreme Court serve until they retire, pass away, or are impeached. This means that once appointed, they hold their position for life without fixed terms or mandatory retirement age.

Related terms

Stare Decisis: The principle that past court decisions should guide future court rulings.

Nomination Process: The procedure by which presidents nominate individuals for vacant positions on the Supreme Court.

Confirmation Hearings: Senate hearings held to evaluate and approve presidential nominees for positions in government, including justices nominated for the Supreme Court.