Definition
Good behavior tenure is the standard set by Article III for federal judges, who hold their offices during good behavior. In practice this means a federal judge serves for life, until death, resignation, or removal.
The phrase deliberately stops short of a fixed term. A judge cannot be turned out simply because a president or Congress disagrees with the judge rulings, only for serious misconduct.
Why it matters
How it works
Because tenure lasts during good behavior, the only constitutional route for removing a sitting federal judge is impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate, reserved for grave offenses. Ordinary political pressure cannot dislodge a judge.
The clause also shields judicial salaries, which may not be reduced while a judge is in office. Together, secure tenure and protected pay insulate judges from the two most direct levers the other branches could otherwise use against them.