How many justices are there on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States consists of nine justices. This number has been established since the Judiciary Act of 1869, which set the size of the Court at nine members and has remained unchanged since then. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This composition is crucial as it allows for a balance of opinions and perspectives when interpreting the law and settling significant legal issues that have far-reaching implications for the country. The choice of nine justices also supports the Court's function in providing a definitive verdict on contentious cases, as an odd number helps to avoid deadlock and ensures that a majority opinion can be reached.