Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life?

Supreme Court justices serve for life primarily to avoid political pressure from regular elections. This lifetime appointment is intended to insulate the justices from the fluctuations and influences of popular opinion and political tides. When justices do not have to run for re-election or worry about public sentiment, they can make decisions based on their interpretation of the law and the Constitution rather than on what might be politically advantageous or popular at the moment. This independence is crucial for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals, as they can rule on controversial issues without fear of losing their positions.

The other options, while they may touch on aspects of judicial independence or efficiency, do not capture the primary rationale behind lifetime appointments as effectively. Financial independence is important in many professions but is not the core reason for this specific structure in the judiciary. Maintaining a consistent court history or allowing quicker appointments do not address the essential need for judicial independence that lifetime tenure aims to secure.