How many justices are there on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is comprised of nine justices, a number that has been in place since 1869. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This composition allows the Court to have a majority opinion when making decisions on various cases involving federal law and constitutional interpretation. The number of justices can be established by Congress, which has varied in the past, but the current structure has provided a stable framework for the judicial system. Understanding the make-up of the Supreme Court is essential as it plays a crucial role in the interpretation of laws and safeguarding rights within the American legal system.