How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This number has been established since the Judiciary Act of 1869, which set the size of the Supreme Court to nine. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This structure allows for a majority in decisions, which is important for the functioning of the court and the resolution of cases. The justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve lifetime appointments, which underscores the independence of the judiciary in the U.S. legal system. This number of justices facilitates a diverse array of perspectives while still allowing for clear and decisive rulings on complex legal matters.