Like the title says, how come they aren't limited to limited terms like most of the government?

that little constitution thingie

Cause it feels so good when you end their term.

So that they are not influenced by the possibility of being voted off the bench by making a decision that, while correct, is widely unpopular.

I think no older than 80. Because I think nobody should have to work past 80.

Quoted: I think no older than 80. Because I think nobody should have to work past 80.

They can retire any time they want.

Quoted: Quoted: I think no older than 80. Because I think nobody should have to work past 80. They can retire any time they want.

yeah, but once you get old enough, you stop making rational decisions, which may include choosing to retire or not

Oh I know they can retire when they want, But as past history shows they dont.

So that they're independant (relatively) from politics.

Because it's the only way to keep liberals kooks there.

Quoted: Quoted: So that they are not influenced by the possibility of being voted off the bench by making a decision that, while correct, is widely unpopular. Roger that!  110% correct.

Also prevents them from seting up a cushy consulting job by rendering opinions favorable to prospective employers.

The idea, at least, was to keep them as independent of politics as possible.

AFAIK, most of the government does not have limited terms. The President was limited to two terms by a fairly recent constitutional amendment. I don't know of any other successful attempts to impose term limits on other politicians.

In practice, the Supreme Court is influenced by politics in a similar way to the other branches of government, but they are the slowest to respond to changes in the political landscape. Conservatives have had much greater influence over the other two branches of government for 10-20 years now, but we're just starting to make our presence felt on the Supreme Court. If we hold power for another 10-20 years, the Supreme Court may be a fairly conservative institution.

Now, it's a matter of debate whether it's time for a change in how Supreme Court justices are handled. It may look like a good idea now, but what could happen 50 years from now? What if we get our conservative court, and Liberals start to take back some power? We might be glad to have our Conservative court to moderate their legislation.

"Why do Supreme Court Justices get lifetime terms?"

Because, the death penalty seemed a little extreme.

Quoted: So that they're independant (relatively) from politics.

But the whole appointment system is loaded with politics. There has to be a less political way of nominating judges.

NTM

Quoted: What do you do with a Judge suffering from alzheimer's?

Impeachment by Congress allows the removal of a USSC justice.

Quoted: The President was limited to two terms by a fairly recent constitutional amendment.

Over 60 years ago, not too recent, sir.    

Quoted: . . The President was limited to two terms by a fairly recent constitutional amendment. I don't know of any other successful attempts to impose term limits on other politicians. . .

BTW: Up until Franklin Roosevelt's term,  all presidents served a maximum of 2 terms a tradition that was started by the Geo. Washington.  It was until later that the U.S. Constitution was amended to actually limiting a person to 2 terms.