President Joe Biden is gearing up to unveil his desire substantial overhaul of the U.S. Supreme Court, including term limits for justices and a judicial code of ethics.
Biden's move, which many believe is a threat to the institution itself, follows a contentious high court ruling that shields presidents from prosecution for official acts, as the Daily Mail reports.
The Biden administration is preparing for a significant announcement concerning Supreme Court reforms in the coming days. Aiming for what he says would be greater accountability, Biden's plan is expected to endorse the implementation of term limits for Supreme Court justices as well as a comprehensive code of ethics.
An amendment proposed by the president will seek to curtail immunity provisions that currently shield presidents and other officeholders from prosecution. This initiative arrives in the wake of a Supreme Court decision that shields presidents from legal action related to their official duties, contextualized by a recent case involving former President Donald Trump.
The specifics of Biden's reform proposals are still evolving and are subject to possible changes.
Biden plans to make this announcement during his scheduled trip to Texas, specifically at the Lyndon Baines Johnson presidential library in Austin. When asked for a statement, the White House declined to comment directly, reiterating the president's belief in maintaining high ethical standards within the Supreme Court.
Biden did not mince words about the Supreme Court ruling on Trump's immunity, labeling it "dangerous". He expressed concern that this decision could embolden Trump should he seek and win reelection.
The president argued that the Court has “fundamentally changed” a foundational national principle. By a 6-3 margin, the Court's decision all but ensures Trump will likely avoid facing trial before the November election. This decision is seen by Biden as dismantling established legal norms and follows other contentious decisions, including the reversal of Roe v. Wade and restrictive rulings on civil and voting rights.
From the Oval Office last week, Biden conveyed his resolve for Supreme Court reform. "I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform, because this is critical to our democracy," he stated. Such reforms, including the imposition of term limits and the establishment of a code of ethics, would necessitate legislative action. Given the current divided Congress, passing such legislation before year’s end appears improbable.
Moreover, justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have come under public scrutiny in regard to personal matters. Justice Thomas faced criticism for failing to disclose gifts and lavish trips financed by billionaire Harlan Crow. Justice Samuel Alito’s wife was involved in reportedly displaying symbols linked by some to the Jan. 6 events outside their residence, potentially breaching judicial ethical guidelines. Notably, the Supreme Court was adjudicating cases pertaining to the 2020 election during this period.
Biden's critical stance on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling underscores a broader concern for preserving democratic integrity. Speaking during an Oval Office address, Biden emphasized, "This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America."
He added, "Today's decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do." He called the new legal interpretation a dangerous, unprecedented principle that could lead to a president with self-imposed limits.
This movement for Supreme Court reform is framed within Biden's broader concerns about legal precedents. The president referred to the Court's recent actions as part of a continued “attack” on established legal doctrines. This assertion ties together a series of decisions he views as eroding foundational civil protections.
As the nation awaits further details, President Biden's upcoming announcement carries substantial weight, reflecting profound implications for the structure and accountability of the nation's highest court. The introduction of term limits and ethical codes highlights Biden's declared commitment to fostering what he claims are higher standards within the judiciary.
