How to Become a Supreme Court Justice

Many lawyers and justices aspire to being one of the nine Supreme Court Justices. To become a Supreme Court Justice is a life-long journey with seemingly uncertain results. These steps will take you through the key things to accomplish along the way in your quest to become a Supreme Court Justice.

Instructions

1. Join political causes at a young age. Get involved in politics in junior high or high school. You can join the debate team, student council or other leadership club, work in the campaign office of a local politician or join the local peer court.

2. Find and attend a college with strong programs in criminal justice, pre-law and political science. A couple of great ones to check out would be Harvard Law School and New York University.

3. Decide which career path you would like to follow and complete the required schooling. Your involvement with political groups should be more demanding in college. If you are affiliated with a party, join the campus chapter or run for important positions on campus.

4. Work hard in your classes and form good relationships with your professors. They will be there to help your career later on if you keep in touch with them over the years. This could come in the form of recommendations, campaign contributions or even as a constituent.

5. Study the Supreme Court and stay abreast of the decisions they are making throughout your career. Keep pushing forward, moving to the next highest level along the way.

Tips & Warnings

• There are no requirements for Supreme Court Justices in the Constitution. The President nominates someone and the Senate has to approve that nomination.

• Study the backgrounds of current and former Justices to see their path and aspire to accomplish the types of things they have done in their careers.

• The world of politics can be sticky and wrought with scandal, even in the face of justice and order; do not let yourself get swayed by this reality. A Supreme Court Justice should try to remain judicial at all times and have great integrity.

Resources

• Constitution Center Website
• United States Courts Website