Final answer:
The independence of Supreme Court justices is crucial to make unbiased decisions based on the Constitution, free from political pressures. Life tenure protects this independence, as demonstrated during contentious nominations like Brett Kavanaugh's. Justices are also accountable to the legal system through their written opinions, ensuring a focus on legal integrity over political motives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Independence for Supreme Court Justices
It is important for Supreme Court justices to be independent to ensure that they can make decisions based on the law and the Constitution without being influenced by the ever-changing political landscape. Their life tenure, established by Article III of the U.S. Constitution, is a fundamental aspect of the judiciary's independence. The framers intended for justices to be free from undue political pressure from the executive and legislative branches, thereby protecting the sanctity of the Constitution and individual rights against societal and governmental oppression. Life appointments allow for a judiciary that is less susceptible to the partisan conflicts that often characterize the other branches of government.
Events like the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh have tested the judiciary’s independence, underscoring the necessity of a system designed to avoid such political controversies. Furthermore, judicial opinions wield significant influence over government, politics, and society, and maintaining independence is crucial for fair and unbiased adjudication. Judges must also justify their decisions to other parts of the judicial system, adhering to legal principles over political or personal considerations.