List of justices of the Supreme Court of the United States

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The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest judicial body in the United States. It consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and a number of Associate Justices. The number of justices is determined by the Congress and has varied throughout history, but since 1869, the Court has been composed of nine justices.

Current justices

As of 2023, the current justices of the Supreme Court are:

• John G. Roberts Jr. (Chief Justice)
• Clarence Thomas
• Samuel Alito
• Sonia Sotomayor
• Elena Kagan
• Neil Gorsuch
• Brett Kavanaugh
• Amy Coney Barrett
• Ketanji Brown Jackson

Historical overview

The Supreme Court was established by Article III of the Constitution in 1789. The first session was held on February 2, 1790. The Court initially had six justices, a number that changed several times before settling at nine in 1869.

Appointment process

Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They hold their offices during good behavior, typically serving for life unless they resign, retire, or are removed after impeachment.

Notable justices

Some of the most notable justices in the history of the Supreme Court include:

• John Marshall, who served as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835 and helped establish the principle of judicial review.
• Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., known for his long tenure and influential opinions.
• Thurgood Marshall, the first African American justice.
• Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female justice.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known for her work on gender equality and civil liberties.

Related pages

• Supreme Court of the United States
• Chief Justice of the United States
• Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States
• List of Chief Justices of the United States
• List of law clerks of the Supreme Court of the United States
• Judicial review in the United States
• United States Constitution

See also

• List of landmark United States Supreme Court cases
• Judiciary of the United States
• Federal judiciary of the United States
• United States federal judge