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How Long Do High Court Vacancies Usually Last?

Scalia, shown here with then-Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in 1992, served on the court for nearly 30 years. (CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Scalia, shown here with then-Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in 1992, served on the court for nearly 30 years. (CQ Roll Call File Photo)
By Sean McMinn
Posted February 14, 2016 at 5:24pm

With a battle brewing between Senate Republicans and the White House, we looked back at past Supreme Court vacancy lengths.  

This year could be historic.  


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Clarification: There have been 60 vacancies since 1900, which includes instances where associate justices have assumed the role of chief justice.

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