Why would would the framers set it up to where the judges don't have term limits?

Answer 1

The framers of the United States Constitution did not institute term limits for federal judges for several reasons:

1. Judicial Independence: The framers believed that an independent judiciary was crucial to maintaining the checks and balances of power among the three branches of government. By not imposing term limits on federal judges, they aimed to protect judicial independence from political interference. A judge serving for life and not subject to regular reappointment or reelection is more likely to make impartial and fair decisions.

2. Expertise and Stability: Lifetime appointments allow federal judges to develop expertise in the law over time and develop greater understanding and consistency in their interpretation and application of the Constitution. This can promote stability and predictability in legal rulings, avoiding abrupt shifts whenever a new judge is appointed.

3. Avoiding Political Influence: By making federal judges immune to popular opinion and electoral cycles, the framers sought to insulate the judiciary from the potential manipulation of political pressures. Political parties and public opinion might sway judges if they were subject to regular appointments or reappointments, potentially undermining the objective application of the law.

4. Constitutional Interpretation: Without the pressure of reelection or reappointment, judges are more likely to base their decisions on a careful analysis of the Constitution and established legal principles, rather than being swayed by short-term political considerations. This ensures a more consistent and principled approach to constitutional interpretation over time.

That said, the framers did establish a mechanism to remove federal judges through the impeachment process, ensuring accountability in cases of misconduct or abuse of power. Nonetheless, the absence of term limits was a deliberate choice to safeguard judicial independence, stability, and the long-term integrity of the judicial system.