Life tenure hardens the bench and invites stagnation. An 18-year term keeps experience, invites renewal, and guards the Republic from entrenched power.
Fixed 18-year terms hit the mark, keep the bench sharp and honest. They also push renewal, so power can't crowd out the people.
I disagree with mandatory retirement; it's ageism that silences wisdom. A fixed term respects service, keeps leaders accountable, and lets elders stay for renewal and unity.
Why bar a capable elder for aging? Merit and virtue should decide tenure, not a calendar; test service by deeds, not by an arbitrary retirement age.
