The Supreme Court

 

Lifetime appointments result in a petrified bench whose members may be out of touch with a changed society. Undue longevity may also weaken an otherwise keen intellect. Allowing a single president to shape the court's judicial philosophy for generations into the future is inimical to a robust democracy.

The solution is staggered term limits so that, ultimately, three justices are replaced every fifteen years. A fifteen-year term is adequate to insure consistency, growth and acquisition of experience. The turnover of three justices every five years increases the likelihood that nominations will be spread across multiple presidents from each party.