日本国憲法第6条
最高裁判所ハ法律ノ定ムル員数ノ裁判官ヲ以テ之ヲ構成シ此等ノ裁判官ハ凡テ内閣ニ於テ之ヲ任命シ満七十歳ニ達シタル時退官スルモノトスルコト
The Supreme Court shall consist of a chief justice and such number of associate justices as may be determined by the Diet. All such justices shall be appointed by the Cabinet and shall hold office during good behavior but not after the attainment of the age of 70 years, provided however that all such appointments shall be reviewed at the first general election held following the appointment and thereafter at every general election held immediately following the expiration of ten calendar years from the next prior confirmation. Upon a majority vote of the electorate not to retain the incumbent the office shall become vacant.