What is the main reason that federal judges are appointed to their position for life?
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The founders understood that judges who are able to apply the law freely and fairly are essential to the rule of law. The Constitution guarantees our rights on paper, but this would mean nothing without independent courts to protect them. Our federal judges are protected from the influence of the other branches, as well as shifting popular opinion. This insulation is referred to as judicial independence, and it allows them to make decisions based on what is right under the law, without facing political (not getting reelected) or personal (getting fired, having their salary lowered) consequences for the decisions they make. Judicial Independence is Maintained in Several Ways
Checks and BalancesIndependent judges protect our freedoms, but it is also important to protect the people from a court that is too powerful. With complete independence judges could throw people in jail or change laws on a whim. The Constitution gives judges the power to do their jobs, but it also sets out ways to prevent them from abusing their power. This guarantees that independent courts and judges remain faithful to the rule of law. Article III of the Constitution, tells us that judges “. . . shall hold their offices during good behavior.” Though this is a bit vague, the intent is clear. Judges have life terms, because once appointed they keep their jobs until they choose to quit so long as they have “good behavior.” To ensure this good behavior, there are some “checks” on judicial power built into the Constitution.
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Why should federal judges be appointed for life?Federal judges and justices serve for life because the founders wrote in Article III of the Constitution that jurists “hold their offices during good behaviour,” and simply declining to cede the power of the office after a reasonable term of service hasn't been deemed a violation of this clause.
What is the reason judges are appointed for life to the constitutional courts?Members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. To ensure an independent Judiciary and to protect judges from partisan pressures, the Constitution provides that judges serve during “good Behaviour,” which has generally meant life terms.
Why do you think federal judges are appointed to their position for life rather than a specific term like most politicians?Federal Judges Serve a Life Term
The second factor that helps judges to remain independent is their life term. The lifetime term provides job security, and allows appointed judges to do what is right under the law, because they don't have to fear that they will be fired if they make an unpopular decision.
Why is a federal judges lifetime position so significant quizlet?1. (Article III) Federal Judges are appointed for life because that is how it was written into the US Constitution. 2. The writers of the Constitution gave federal judges job security because they wanted judges to be able to decide cases free from public or political pressures.
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