Setting Term Limits for Federal Judges
Americans must have confidence in the courts that handle their cases. Judges at every level — including the Supreme Court — have a duty to follow our Constitution and our laws as written; they should never let their own partisan ideology or policy preferences override the meaning of the law. Unfortunately, many Americans have had their trust in our federal judiciary shaken. With lifetime appointments, judges sometimes seem like out-of-touch, career government officials. Some stay in office way too long — waiting to retire until a president of their own party is in the White House and can appoint a successor.
That’s why I introduced a constitutional amendment to rebuild trust while preserving the fundamental independence of our courts. It’s part of my Blueprint for a Better America, my bold agenda to restore trust in government and return power to the people.
My new Judicial Term Limits Amendment would establish a 20-year term limit for federal judges and do away with lifetime appointments. This would not only ensure judges don’t stay in their position when they’re no longer able to do the job, but it would also encourage presidents to appoint judges who have more experience in law, instead of picking younger lawyers just because they could serve 40 or 50 years.
At the same time, my amendment would protect judicial independence. Our Founding Fathers didn’t want judges to bow to the influence of elected officials. They required lifetime appointments so judges wouldn’t need the approval of the president and senators to get reappointed every few years. My amendment would maintain this independence by allowing judges to serve 20 years; after that, they could not get another appointment to the same court.
My amendment also doesn’t give any particular party an advantage because it only applies to new appointments, not sitting judges. This way, the transition to 20-year terms would take place gradually as current judges retire.
Establishing reasonable term limits for federal judges will strengthen accountability and rebuild confidence that our courts are fairly and effectively applying the law and vindicating people’s rights.
Click here to learn about my other legislation to restore trust in government and keep partisan politics out of our judiciary. You can also visit barrett.house.gov/reform to read my Blueprint for a Better America and share your ideas for government reform.