Supreme Court The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Its primary job is to interpret the laws and Constitution of the United States. The Court consists of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The nine justices are appointed by the President for life, but they must be approved by the Senate. Interesting Facts: Justice William Douglas holds the distinction of having served on the Court the longest: 36 years and 6 months. The “Conference handshake” has been a tradition since the late 19th century, where each justice shakes hands with each of the other eight before they assemble at the Bench each day. The Supreme Court Building is now located where the Old Capitol Prison used to be. You don’t have to be a lawyer to be on the Supreme Court. Links: Supreme Court of the United States Timeline 1789 1803 1869 1935 Article III of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court, consisting of six justices. In Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall asserts that the Court’s responsibility is to overturn unconstitutional legislation. The number of justices is set at nine, which is the same number that we have today. The Supreme Court moves out of the Capitol into its new building located across the street. 1981 1994 President Reagan appoints the first female justice, Sandra Day O'Connor. Stephen Breyer is the most recent justice, appointed by President Clinton on August 3rd.                 Copyright © 2006 WorldStrides  Legal Policy  Privacy Policy  Terms & Conditions