What is the term of office for US federal judges

Answers:
According to the Constitution, Article III federal judges hold office "during good behavior." That means that as long as they are not impeached and removed by Congress, they are appointed for life.

Bear in mind this is only true of Article III judges (Judicial Branch) serving on "constitutional courts":
  • US District Court
  • US Court of International Trade
  • US Court of Appeals Circuit Courts
  • Supreme Court of the United States

Article I judges (See Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), such as those who preside over the US Court of Federal Claims, US Bankruptcy Courts, US Tax Courts, military courts, certain other courts of limited jurisdiction typically serve 15-year renewable terms. These judges actually work for the Legislative Branch, not the Judicial Branch.

School textbooks usually discuss Article III judges, and simplify the constitutional language to state they are appointed for life; however, the text is in error if it says all federal judges fall under Article III guidelines.
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