Judges on the US Courts of Appeals typically serve for life.

• A. For life
• B. For 12-year terms
• C. Until age 70
• D. On fixed 4-year terms

Answer: (A)

Federal appellate judges are appointed for life to protect judicial independence. The Constitution provides that judges hold their offices during “good behavior,” which effectively means lifelong tenure unless they retire, resign, or are removed through impeachment for serious misconduct. This design lets judges decide cases free from political pressures and changing public opinion, contributing to consistent, principled interpretation of laws over time. They can, however, take senior status or retire, which reduces their workload while remaining on the bench. Fixed terms or age limits would undermine that independence by tying judicial decisions to political or cyclical pressures.