Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden unveiled a series of proposals on Monday aimed at reforming the U.S. Supreme Court. These proposals include implementing an enforceable code of ethics, establishing term limits for justices, and introducing a constitutional amendment to address recent decisions regarding presidential immunity. While the likelihood of these proposals passing a divided Congress before Election Day is minimal, they have ignited discussions amidst a notable decline in public confidence in the court and heightened Democratic dissatisfaction with recent rulings by the conservative-leaning majority.
One key aspect of Biden’s proposals is the introduction of term limits for Supreme Court justices, with an emphasis on making the nomination process more predictable and less susceptible to the influence of a single president. However, implementing term limits would require amending the Constitution, as federal judges currently have lifetime tenure. Legal experts have suggested alternative methods to impose term limits, but the ultimate decision would likely rest with the justices themselves, posing a challenge to the feasibility of this proposal.
In addition to term limits, Biden’s proposals also address the need for an enforceable code of ethics for Supreme Court justices. While the court recently adopted a formal code of ethics, the lack of a mechanism for enforcement has raised concerns. Members of Congress, for instance, adhere to strict guidelines on accepting gifts, but the oversight of ethical conduct within the Supreme Court remains unclear. The call for an enforcement mechanism has garnered support from Justice Elena Kagan and others, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency within the nation’s highest court.
Another significant component of Biden’s proposals is the push for a constitutional amendment to limit the broad immunity granted to former presidents, as established in a recent Supreme Court decision. The proposed amendment seeks to clarify that no immunity exists for crimes committed by a former president while in office, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. However, the process of amending the Constitution is arduous, requiring significant bipartisan support and ratification by state legislatures, making the likelihood of success uncertain.
Despite facing criticism and skepticism, Biden’s proposals have sparked debate and drawn attention to the issue of Supreme Court reform. With the backing of Vice President Kamala Harris and growing discontent among Democrats over recent court decisions, these proposals reflect ongoing efforts to address concerns about the court’s composition and decisions. As the discussion continues, differing perspectives on the implications of these reforms highlight the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing debate over the future of the U.S. Supreme Court.
