Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed openness to the idea of implementing an enforceable code of conduct for the justices during an interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning.” She mentioned that having a binding code of ethics is common for judges and questioned whether the Supreme Court should be any different. While she indicated general support for an enforceable code, she refrained from endorsing any specific proposal.
The existing code of conduct for the justices, approved last November, has faced criticism for being perceived as toothless due to its reliance on voluntary compliance. Some Democrat lawmakers have advocated for the proposed Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act (SCERT) to ensure mandatory compliance. However, the bill, introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, has been stalled in the U.S. Senate.
There has been increasing pressure on the Supreme Court since 2022, particularly following controversial decisions such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Democrats have raised concerns about justices receiving gifts from donors and not initially disclosing them, while Republicans argue that objections to the court stem from disagreement with its decisions. Public opinion on the Supreme Court remains divided along partisan lines, with Republicans generally supporting its actions and Democrats opposing them.
President Joe Biden’s proposals to reform the Supreme Court, including implementing 18-year term limits for justices and enforcing ethics rules, have been met with mixed reactions. Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed the plan, while former President Donald Trump has criticized Democratic efforts to regulate the court, accusing them of interfering in the presidential election and undermining the justice system. Please rewrite this sentence.
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