Predictable appointments
Fixed terms would space out vacancies, potentially reducing the role of chance in determining how many justices a given president names.
In plain English
When justices serve a fixed term.
This is the idea of setting a fixed number of years a Supreme Court justice can serve, instead of letting them stay for life.
Simple example
The 2021 Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court examined an 18-year term-limit proposal that would give each president two appointments per four-year term, with vacancies occurring on a regular schedule.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Public support
AP-NORC polling in 2022 found roughly two-thirds of Americans, including majorities in both parties, backed some form of term limits for justices.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Staggered terms
Most proposals would stagger 18-year terms so a new seat opens every two years, aligning appointments with presidential and congressional elections.
Legal pathway
Scholars disagree on whether term limits could be created by ordinary legislation, perhaps by moving senior justices to lower courts, or whether a constitutional amendment is required.
Related guide
Should Supreme Court justices have term limits?
A look at the constitutional rules, historical trends and reform proposals behind a debate over how long justices should serve.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should Supreme Court justices have term limits?
A long-running debate over judicial tenure has gained new prominence amid proposals to cap justices' service at 18 years.
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Should Supreme Court justices have term limits?
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