How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This number has been established since 1869. The justices, including the Chief Justice, are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The purpose of having an odd number of justices, particularly nine, is to avoid tie votes and ensure that a majority decision can be reached in cases that come before the Court. This structure allows for a diverse range of opinions and interpretations of the law, contributing to the Court's role in maintaining the checks and balances within the federal government. The other numbers listed do not reflect the current composition of the Court, as no other configuration has been established in U.S. history.