How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States, which serves as the highest court in the federal judiciary, consists of nine justices. This number has remained constant since 1869 and includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments. This structure is designed to ensure a balance of perspectives and experiences on the Court, allowing it to address a wide range of legal issues and maintain judicial independence. The specific number of justices is set by Congress and can be changed, but any modifications would require legislative action and have not been altered since the late 19th century.