President Joe Biden has proposed a three-part plan aimed at implementing significant reforms to the Supreme Court, which he believes will "restore trust and accountability." Biden's call for change comes in response to recent controversial decisions by the court, such as overturning Roe v. Wade and expanding presidential immunity, as well as various ethics scandals involving justices.
Bold Reforms for the Supreme Court
Biden's plan includes term limits for justices, a binding code of conduct, and a reevaluation of the court's recent decision on presidential immunity. He outlined these reforms in an op-ed for The Washington Post, emphasizing the need for the public to regain confidence in the Supreme Court.
Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices
Biden proposes setting term limits for Supreme Court justices, who currently serve lifetime appointments under Article III Section I of the Constitution. He suggests a system where a president would appoint a justice every two years for an 18-year term. This change aims to ensure regular membership changes and prevent any single presidency from radically altering the court's composition for generations.
No One Is Above the Law Amendment
In response to the court's ruling that former President Donald Trump is entitled to immunity from prosecution for official acts during his presidency, Biden calls for a constitutional amendment to eliminate immunity for crimes committed by presidents in office. This "No One Is Above the Law Amendment" would affirm that presidential power is limited and that the president is accountable to the nation's laws.
Binding Code of Conduct
Biden also urges Congress to pass binding and enforceable conduct and ethics rules for Supreme Court justices. This would include requirements to disclose gifts, abstain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases where there are financial or other conflicts of interest. This proposal responds to recent scrutiny over justices receiving gifts from individuals with interests in court cases and potential conflicts of interest related to the January 6 insurrection.
Support and Details
Vice President Kamala Harris supports Biden's reform plan, citing a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court's fairness due to ethics scandals and controversial decisions. Biden is expected to elaborate on his proposals during a speech commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
Not Included in the Plan
Biden's plan does not include proposals to increase the number of Supreme Court justices, a suggestion popular among progressives to counter the conservative supermajority.
These reforms, if implemented, aim to enhance the accountability and integrity of the Supreme Court, ensuring it remains a trusted institution that upholds the principles of justice and fairness.