Despite speculation in liberal legal circles and talk among Democratic senators of urging Justice Sonia Sotomayor to resign, sources close to her say she has no plans to.

Three Supreme Court justices face retention vote

Although the Supreme Court’s formal power comes from Article III of the U.S. Constitution, its real power comes from public support for the court as an institution. The court depends upon the elected branches for everything from its budget to its building to its calendar and its statutory authority to hear almost all of the cases that it decides.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice and at 70, is not the oldest member of the Supreme Court.

Republicans are gearing up to lock in their remake of the judiciary under President-elect Donald Trump and a new Senate majority, including potentially installing several more conservative Supreme Court justices.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor refuses to retire despite progressive pressure, citing good health and commitment to her work at 70.