A judge who is appointed may be more likely to make decisions based on his or her knowledge of the law and the particular issues of the case, without feeling any pressure to remain popular with voters. Sometimes judges serve a fixed term, and sometimes they serve for life, depending on the particular state and the level of the court. In Rhode Island, for example, judges serve for life. Some states give their judges terms of four to fourteen years, and others retire their judges at age 70 regardless of how long their term has been. Whether serving a fixed term or life term, judges may be removed from office by recall or impeachment if they are deemed unfit.
The photo at the left shows the Supreme Court Justices from the State of California. The Supreme Court of California has seven members — a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices, each appointed to 12-year terms by the Governor.
