Final answer:
Life appointments of federal judges provide judicial independence, ensuring decisions are based on law rather than political pressures, which upholds the rule of law and leads to the fair administration of justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Life appointments for judges ensure a steady, upright, and impartial administration of the laws because they are insulated from political influence. Once appointed, federal judges are not beholden to the president, Congress, or the electorate. This independence is crucial as it allows judges to make decisions based on their interpretation of the law and the Constitution, rather than on popular opinion or political pressures. For example, during the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, the intensely partisan debates highlighted concerns about political influence on the court. The lifetime tenure helps to maintain judicial independence by allowing judges to adhere to the law without fear of retaliation or the need to cater to the will of political figures or parties.
Judges are expected to follow the Constitution and the law, even when it goes against their own policy preferences. This was evident when Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, despite personal views, upheld federal statutes in his majority opinions, reinforcing the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law. These principles are fundamental to the purpose of the justice system, aimed at ensuring that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and equitably, reflecting the responsible enforcement of laws as envisioned in the U.S. Constitution.