Lifetime Appointment of Federal Judges – Democratic or Undemocratic?

The lifetime appointment of federal judges has both advantages and disadvantages.

One advantage is that it allows judges to remain independent and insulated from political pressure, ensuring they make decisions based on the law rather than politics. Lifetime appointments ensure that judges do not have to worry about retaliation from politicians or other influential individuals who might disagree with their decisions. This independence is particularly important for judges on the Supreme Court, where decisions can have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences.

On the other hand, the lifetime appointment of judges can also be seen as a disadvantage. It means that judges who are no longer able or willing to serve effectively can remain on the bench, potentially for many years. This can lead to situations where judges who are no longer competent or whose views are out of step with those of society will continue to make decisions that significantly impact people’s lives. In addition, lifetime appointments mean it can be challenging to remove a judge who engages in unethical behavior or becomes corrupt.

Finally, lifetime appointments can lead to a lack of diversity on the bench, as judges may come from a narrow range of backgrounds and experiences.