Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Facts for Kids

Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States are important judges. They are part of the Supreme Court of the United States, which is the highest court in the country. There are eight Associate Justices. They work alongside the Chief Justice of the United States. The number of these judges is decided by the United States Congress.

How Judges Join the Supreme Court
What Associate Justices Do
When the Chief Justice is Away
Meet the Current Justices
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How Judges Join the Supreme Court

When a spot opens up on the Supreme Court, the President of the United States chooses a new judge. This person is called a nominee. After the President picks someone, the United States Senate must approve them. This process is called "Advice and Consent."

Even though the Constitution calls them "Judges of the Supreme Court," their official title is "Associate Justice." This title started with a law passed a long time ago in 1789. For many years, male justices were called "Mr. Justice." But in 1980, the title was shortened to just "Justice." This happened just before the first woman became a Supreme Court Justice.

What Associate Justices Do

Each Associate Justice on the Supreme Court has one vote. This vote helps decide the outcome of cases. The Chief Justice also has one vote. Their vote counts the same as any other Justice's vote. All the Justices work together to make important decisions for the country.

When the Chief Justice is Away

Sometimes, the Chief Justice might not be able to do their job. Or, the Chief Justice position might be empty. If this happens, the Associate Justice who has been on the court the longest takes over. They do the Chief Justice's duties until the Chief Justice returns or a new one is chosen. This rule helps the Supreme Court keep working smoothly.