President Joe Biden is considering significant changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, including implementing term limits for justices and introducing an enforceable ethics code.
This comes amid concerns that justices need more accountability. According to AP sources, Biden is taking these ideas seriously.
A New Direction for Biden
Once a steadfast defender of Supreme Court traditions, Biden has shifted gears. As the former leader of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he’s now raising his voice about the Court’s drift from established constitutional norms.
This evolution in his perspective was first highlighted by The Washington Post.
The Trump Effect on the Supreme Court
President Biden is eyeing major reforms as a countermeasure to the conservative majority established by Donald Trump’s appointments.
His approach aims not just to address these changes but to mobilize his supporters, especially given Trump’s pride in his influence over the Court.
Challenging Presidential Immunity
In response to Donald Trump’s claims of immunity from legal actions tied to the events of January 6, 2021, Biden is contemplating a constitutional amendment to curb presidential powers.
This move signals a significant pivot in his approach to governance and Supreme Court interactions.
Calls for Supreme Court Reform Grow Louder
Recent Supreme Court rulings reversing long-standing decisions on abortion and regulatory powers have sparked a Democrat-led outcry for changes.
Added to this are ethical concerns, notably around Justice Clarence Thomas’ acceptance of luxury trips from a GOP donor.
More Justices on the Horizon?
AP News reports that in a BET interview, Biden hinted at potential Supreme Court vacancies expected during his presidency, suggesting the balance of power could shift once more.
He stressed the impact of Trump’s appointees and the critical nature of upcoming nominations.
Supreme Court Remains Tight-Lipped
Despite growing public discourse on proposed judicial reforms, the Supreme Court has stayed silent on Biden’s suggestions.
This absence of comment comes at a critical time of heightened scrutiny of the court’s integrity and decision-making.
Biden’s Strategic Push in Congress
During a discussion with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Biden highlighted the need for more Democratic influence to counter the Court’s conservative lean.
He teased a significant forthcoming initiative, saying, “I’m about to come out with a major initiative on limiting the court.”
Americans Favor Judicial Reforms
A 2022 Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that about two-thirds of Americans support the idea of term limits or a mandatory retirement age for justices.
This widespread public approval could be pivotal in advancing these judicial reforms.
Shrinking Trust in the Supreme Court
Public confidence in the Supreme Court is at a low, with surveys showing that just 40% of U.S. adults feel confident in the institution.
Many feel that the justices are swayed more by their political beliefs than by a duty to impartiality.
A New Ethical Framework for the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court recently agreed on its first formal code of ethics.
Though critics argue that the new policy does not sufficiently address fundamental issues, leaving too much to individual discretion.
The Battle Over the Judiciary Continues
The struggle to shape the federal judiciary has been intense, highlighted by past political maneuvers like Senator Mitch McConnell’s block of Obama’s nominee in 2016.
Biden, emphasizing the importance of judicial nominations, has prioritized diversity and impact in his judicial picks, aiming to influence the courts deeply during his administration.
