How many justices serve on the United States Supreme Court?

The United States Supreme Court consists of nine justices. This number has been established since 1869 and has remained consistent since. Each justice serves on the bench for life, unless they resign, retire, or are removed through impeachment. The structure of the Supreme Court is intended to ensure a balance of opinions and a diverse set of experiences that contribute to the interpretation of the Constitution and federal law. While other configurations may have existed in the past, the current size of nine justices allows the Court to have a definitive majority in its rulings, which is essential for maintaining the stability and clarity of judicial decision-making in the U.S. legal system. The other options suggest different numbers of justices, but none reflect the established composition of the Supreme Court today.