How are US Supreme Court justices appointed?

The appointment of US Supreme Court Justices is a process defined by the United States Constitution. The President of the United States has the power to nominate a candidate for a vacant Supreme Court seat, subject to Senate confirmation. Once the Senate receives a nomination, the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings to review the candidate's background and qualifications. During the confirmation process, the Judiciary Committee will often question the nominee about their judicial philosophy, their past decisions, and other relevant issues. After the Judiciary Committee completes its review, the full Senate votes on the nomination.

A Supreme Court Justice serves for life or until they choose to retire. There are currently nine justices on the US Supreme Court, and the appointment of a new justice can have a significant impact on the direction of the Court's decisions.