Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_203_671 ( id number, "name" text, "rank" text, "age" number, "years until mandatory retirement" text, "appointed by" text, "year appointed" number )

### Question ###
how many associate justices are there currently ?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(*) FROM table_203_671 WHERE "rank" = 'associate justice'