Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution contains provisions that seek to promote judicial independence. The following options highlight how it achieves this:
1. Lifetime Tenure for Federal Judges: Article III, Section 2 provides that federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, serve "during good behavior." This generally means that they have lifetime tenure unless they are impeached and removed from office. Lifetime tenure helps ensure that judges can make decisions without fear of political retaliation or influence, safeguarding their independence.
2. Salaries Not Diminished: Article III, Section 2 prohibits diminishing the salaries of federal judges during their time in office. This prevents the possibility of financial pressure or coercion that could compromise their independence. By ensuring that judges' salaries remain constant, the provision helps protect their impartiality and integrity.
3. Jurisdiction of Federal Courts: Article III, Section 2 grants federal courts jurisdiction over certain types of cases, including those involving federal law, disputes between states, and cases involving ambassadors and public ministers. This grants federal judges the authority to decide cases in these areas, independent of state or other external influences, thereby promoting their independence in interpreting and applying the law.
These provisions collectively work towards promoting judicial independence by providing federal judges with security of tenure, protection against financial manipulation, and the authority to hear and decide cases within their jurisdiction.