Which Supreme Court justice has served the longest tenure?
Asked by: Roberta Hamill | Last update: June 3, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (4 votes)
Justice William O. Douglas served the longest tenure as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, with over 36 years on the bench from 1939 to 1975, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was followed by Stephen Johnson Field and John Paul Stevens, with Douglas's record making him a pivotal figure in American legal history, particularly for civil liberties.
Who was the longest tenured justice of the Supreme Court?
The longest serving Justice was William O. Douglas who served for 36 years, 7 months, and 8 days from 1939 to 1975. Which Associate Justice served the shortest Term?
Who served 34 years as Chief Justice?
John Marshall served as the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court for 34 years, from 1801 until his death in 1835, making him the longest-serving Chief Justice in American history, significantly shaping the Court's power and establishing judicial review with the landmark Marbury v. Madison decision.
How many years has Clarence Thomas served?
Clarence Thomas has served on the U.S. Supreme Court since October 23, 1991, meaning he has served for over 34 years as of late 2025, making him the longest-serving current justice and the fifth-longest-serving in Supreme Court history. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, he replaced Justice Thurgood Marshall and has served continuously since his swearing-in.
Can the president remove the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
No, the President cannot fire the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the Chief Justice (and all federal judges) holds a lifetime appointment and can only be removed from office through the impeachment process by Congress (House impeaches, Senate convicts) for "good behavior," a safeguard against political interference, according to the U.S. Constitution.
Who Is The Longest Serving Supreme Court Justice? - CountyOffice.org
Can a president force a Supreme Court justice to resign?
The Constitution states that Justices "shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour." This means that the Justices hold office as long as they choose and can only be removed from office by impeachment.
Who was the youngest Supreme Court justice?
The youngest U.S. Supreme Court Justice ever was Joseph Story, appointed by President James Madison in 1811 at the age of 32, remaining the youngest to this day, with William Johnson also appointed at 32 (or 33, depending on source) around the same era. Story joined the Court at 32 years, 58 days old, becoming a pivotal constitutional scholar.
Who is the most powerful judge in the United States?
The most powerful judge in the United States is widely considered to be the Chief Justice of the United States, a position currently held by John G. Roberts, Jr., because they lead the Supreme Court, the nation's highest court, setting the agenda, influencing decisions, and overseeing the entire federal judiciary, making them highly influential in interpreting the Constitution and shaping American law.
Can Supreme Court decisions be overturned?
When the Supreme Court rules on a constitutional issue, that judgment is virtually final; its decisions can be altered only by the rarely used procedure of constitutional amendment or by a new ruling of the Court.
Who did Obama appoint to the Supreme Court?
On March 16, 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States to succeed Antonin Scalia, who had died one month earlier.
Who was the greatest Chief Justice of all time?
While "greatest" is subjective, John Marshall (Chief Justice 1801-1835) is most often called "the Great Chief Justice" for establishing the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government, defining judicial review in Marbury v. Madison, and solidifying federal power, making him arguably the most influential, though others like Earl Warren and Thurgood Marshall are also considered highly impactful.
What is the salary of the Chief Justice?
The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court's salary is $312,200 annually, effective January 1, 2024, while Associate Justices earn $298,500; these figures are set by federal law and adjusted periodically for cost-of-living. State-level Chief Justices, however, receive varying salaries depending on their specific state's laws, like Nebraska's Chief Justice earning approximately $231,857 in 2026 or Maryland's earning $255,433 in mid-2025.
Why didn't Obama get to nominate a Supreme Court judge?
With the death of Antonin Scalia in February 2016 in the beginning of a presidential election year, the Republican majority in the Senate made it their stated policy to refuse to consider any nominee to the Supreme Court, arguing that the next president should be the one to appoint Scalia's replacement.
What is the CJi's salary?
The salary for the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (CJI) is $320,700 annually as of 2026, according to the US Courts website. Other salary data on "CJI" refers to different roles, like the Criminal Justice Institute (e.g., $152,504 for a Director at the Arkansas CJI) or various private companies (CJI, Inc., CJI LLC) with much lower average wages, so context is key.
At what age do most Supreme Court justices retire?
Supreme court justices may be appointed for a term of years, have a mandatory retirement age, or be given 'life tenure' with a mandatory retirement age. Mandatory retirement age ranges from 60 – 75 years. Judges serving on constitutional courts usually serve a single 7 – 12-year term.
What illness does Sotomayor have?
Sotomayor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven and began taking daily insulin injections. Her father died of heart problems at age 42, when she was nine years old. After that, she became fluent in English.
Can the president remove Supreme Court Justices from office?
No, a President cannot remove a Supreme Court Justice; only Congress can remove a Justice through the impeachment process, requiring a House vote to impeach and a Senate conviction for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors," as Justices hold office "during good Behaviour" (lifetime tenure unless removed).
Who can supersede the Supreme Court?
Congress can influence and limit the judicial branch, and the judiciary can check Congress's powers. Legislative Branch's Checks on the Judicial Branch: Impeachment power: Congress can impeach and remove federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, for misconduct.
Can Congress eliminate the Supreme Court?
The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. See . Congress cannot abolish the high court. See .
Who is the best Supreme Court justice ever?
No matter what selection criteria were used or whether the lists included state as well as United States Supreme Court justices, three people are always present: John Marshall, Joseph Story, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. These three un- doubtedly would head the roster of the best Supreme Court justices.
Is John Roberts an American citizen?
Yes, there are two prominent American citizens named John Roberts: Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., born in Buffalo, NY, who has always been a citizen, and journalist John Roberts, who is a dual Canadian-American citizen, having become a U.S. citizen in 2001.
Who has more power than the Supreme Court?
Congress creates laws; the Supreme Court interprets those laws in the context of legal disputes and rules on their constitutionality. Congress can change the courts' size, structure, and jurisdiction.
Do Supreme Court justices have drivers?
By law, the California Supreme Court and the appellate courts must contract security services with the CHP, which took over the duty in 1995 when it absorbed the old state police department.
Who is the oldest living justice on the scotus?
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the oldest active living justice at 86, followed by Justice Stephen Breyer, who is just a shade under 81. Breyer was born on August 15, 1938. Three active justices are still in their 50s, with Justice Neil Gorsuch the youngest, followed by Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Elena Kagan.