President Joe Biden has denounced the Supreme Court’s “extreme opinions” and proposed sweeping reforms, including 18-year term limits for justices and an enforceable ethics code.
The moves come after the conservative-dominated court issued controversial decisions, such as overturning abortion rights and granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution.
Biden’s proposals aim to “restore trust and accountability” in the court, which he says is “mired in a crisis of ethics.” The president wants:
- 18-year terms for justices, with a new appointment every two years
- A enforceable ethics code requiring justices to disclose gifts and avoid political activities
- A constitutional amendment to reverse the court’s ruling on presidential immunity from prosecution
Biden faces an uphill battle to gain Congressional approval, given Republican control of the House. However, Democrats hope that pushing for reform can galvanize voters ahead of the November election.
The Supreme Court has faced allegations of judicial ethics violations, particularly regarding Justice Clarence Thomas’s failure to report gifts.
Biden’s proposals aim to address these concerns and ensure the court remains a trusted institution.
