> There isn't much career progression beyond that because they're appointed for life. Progression: Supreme court judge. Chief justice. Maybe not many steps but

> There isn't much career progression beyond that because they're appointed for life. Progression: Supreme court judge. Chief justice. Maybe not many steps but huge ones. Also it would follow them as for both their remaining tenure and legacy, something they would be distinctly aware of and care about. > This is also why we have lifetime appointments so judge's make legally correct rulings rather than politically appealing one That's the theory but there is a reason each side wants to be in power during a supreme court position change. It is because political views shift their interpretation of the law.