justices

Justices are senior judges who sit on high-level or constitutional courts, such as supreme or appellate courts. The term is used in many common-law systems and denotes individuals who interpret laws, resolve disputes, and determine constitutional questions. In some systems, “justice” is the formal title for a judge on the highest court; in others, it extends to judges on intermediate appellate courts.

Qualifications and selection methods vary. Typical requirements include legal education, bar admission, and substantial legal experience. Justices are often appointed by the executive branch with legislative approval, or elected by the public or by the legislature in some jurisdictions. Tenure ranges from fixed terms and mandatory retirement ages to lifetime appointments, with age limits commonly around 70 to 75 in many countries.

Functions and responsibilities include hearing appeals or reviews of trial court decisions, interpreting statutes and constitutions, and issuing written opinions that establish legal precedents. In many systems, a panel of several justices decides cases, while in others a single justice writes the opinion after considering lower court rulings.

Variations exist across jurisdictions. Some places distinguish between “justices” and “judges” by court level or function; others use the same title for all judges. Some systems elect justices, while others rely on appointment by a head of state or a legislative body. In federal systems, there are both national and regional or state-level justices. The role of justices is central to the maintenance of the rule of law and constitutional oversight.