General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Court expansion - yea or nay? [View all]Bluetus
(3,389 posts)Last edited Tue Jun 30, 2026, 01:42 PM - Edit history (1)
If we look at comparable democracies, nearly all have a mandatory retirement age of 65 or 70 (Canada is 75). By the 65 age standard, the majority of our court would ALREADY be retired.
India has up to 38 justices, and new justices are recommended by the court itself, not by politicians.
The UK has a court of 9, but they are appointed by an independent commission, and they hear cases in rotating panels of 5.
The median term of service for an SC Justice (globally) is under 8 years. In the US, it is almost 30 years. That invites corruption, dementia, and "get off my lawn" syndrome.
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/life-tenure-us-supreme-court-justices-global-oddity-clear-costs