For how long are federal court judges appointed?

Federal court judges are appointed for life, which means they hold their positions until they choose to retire, resign, or are removed through impeachment. This lifetime appointment is established in Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which provides judges the necessary independence to make decisions free from political pressures, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system.

The significance of life tenure for judges is to encourage impartiality and promote justice, as they do not have to fear losing their positions based on decisions that might be politically unpopular. This is distinct from positions that may have fixed terms, like some elected positions or judges at the state level. Life tenure allows federal judges to focus on their roles in upholding the law and the Constitution without the concern of job security related to elections or reappointments. This understanding is crucial for grasping the long-term impact judges can have on legal precedent and the development of the law in the United States.