How many Supreme Court justices are there?

The United States Supreme Court consists of nine justices. This number has been set since 1869 and represents a balance intended to provide a diverse range of perspectives in judicial decisions. The nine justices include the Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, all of whom are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This structure is vital for maintaining the independence of the judiciary and ensuring that the highest court in the land can effectively interpret the Constitution and federal law. While the number of justices can change, historically, nine has been the standard, allowing for a stable and effective court system.