Amazing Things You Didn’t Know About The U.S. Supreme Court

history 10/26/18

Only One Justice Has Ever Been Impeached

A life position is truly forever, except in the rare event of an impeachment. If you’re hoping one of the current justices will eventually be impeached, it’s unlikely. Only one justice has ever experienced that unfortunate fate.

Stock Montage/Getty Image
Stock Montage/Getty Image

In 1804, Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was impeached after he was accused of acting in “a partisan way” during court proceedings. In 1805, however, he was acquitted by the Senate and continued to serve on the Supreme Court until his death in 1811.