Video: '24th September 1789: The Judiciary Act becomes law in the United States of America'

(Thursday, September 24, 1789) — U.S. President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act of 1789 today, establishing America’s federal court system and creating the post of attorney general.

The act also established the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement.

The number of justices became nine in 1869.