The Federal Supreme Court is the highest court system. The first court only had six justices. There have been nine court judges since 1869. The President selects the Justices and the Senate must approve. They can be a judge for life unless they resign, retire or are removed due to a conviction of a crime.

Justices consider all cases submitted. However, they vote on which cases they will take under review. Four of nine justices is required to accept a case which is put onto the Courts Calendar.

The members are: Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist; Associate Justice Antonin Scalia; Associate Justice John Paul Stevens; Associate Justice Clarence Thomas; Associate Justice David H. Souter; Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer; Associate Justice Sandra Day O' Connor; Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

The Supreme Court has had an interesting history. Here is a brief time-line which highlights some major events!