US Supreme Court: A Timeline of Changes
From Six to Nine Justices
When the Judiciary Act of 1789 established the U.S. Supreme Court, it comprised only six members. Over the years, the number of Justices has gradually increased. The current Court has nine Justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
Notable Milestones
Several key events have shaped the evolution of the Supreme Court:
*1789: Judiciary Act establishes the Supreme Court with six Justices.
*1801: Judiciary Act increases the Court to seven Justices following the addition of a new judicial circuit.
*1863: Judiciary Act expands the Court to nine Justices to accommodate the growing number of federal circuits.
*1866: Judiciary Act reduces the Court to eight Justices following the secession of Confederate states.
*1869: Judiciary Act restores the Court to nine Justices with the readmission of former Confederate states.
Importance of the Number of Justices
The number of Justices on the Supreme Court has a significant impact on the Court's decisions. An even number of Justices can lead to deadlocks, while an odd number ensures a majority decision. Throughout history, the Court's ideological balance has often been influenced by the appointment of new Justices.
Acceptance and Commission
Once nominated to the Supreme Court, an appointee must accept the appointment and be commissioned by the President. This official act formalizes the appointment and empowers the Justice to exercise their judicial authority.
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