The 18-Year Reform Proposal Is a Good Idea

Since 1937, at least 11 retired justices have sat by designation and an effect have ridden circuit. If modern justices can ride circuit after voluntarily retiring, why is it any different if the announcement of their voluntary retirement occurs much earlier? The 18-year reform proposal would bring the U.S. Supreme Court into closer alignment with some of America's most distinguished state court judiciaries featuring long-fixed terms of active service.