impartiality. the most egregious aspect of the american judicial system is one that's close to unique, life tenure. it raises the stakes sky high. judges with field their power longer than most dictators. some stay on the court for decades. clarence thomas has been on the supreme court for almost 31 years. and he's still just 74 years old. the prize is to find young judges tojudge s to perpetuate their for as long as they can. and a middle aged, middle of the road extremely distinguished moderate judge, in other words, a judge with perfect judicial temperament, doesn't stand a chance. and then there is the question