Biden’s Bold Move: Endorsing Supreme Court Reforms

President Joe Biden is on the brink of publicly advocating for significant reforms to the Supreme Court, positioning himself as the first sitting president in generations to champion such transformative changes, according to a recent report by CNN.

Push for Term Limits and Ethics Code

The centerpiece of Biden’s proposed reforms includes the introduction of term limits for the nine justices, who currently hold lifetime appointments. The president is also expected to support the implementation of an enforceable ethics code for the court. This comes in response to the ethics code adopted by the court last year, which lacked any real enforcement mechanism.

Context and Recent Developments

During a recent call with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Biden hinted at these major reforms, though he refrained from delving into specifics. He mentioned that he is consulting with constitutional lawyers, according to a source familiar with the call.

This push for reform follows intense scrutiny of the Supreme Court in 2023, particularly after several investigative reports highlighted ethical concerns involving some justices. Despite the justices releasing an ethics code in November, it failed to alleviate concerns from critics.

Historical and Political Implications

The debate over lifetime appointments gained renewed attention following the 2020 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her passing allowed then-President Donald Trump to appoint his third justice, sparking outrage among Democrats who had hoped she would retire during Barack Obama’s presidency.

The court’s recent ruling granting presidential immunity for certain actions also drew criticism from Democrats. Although it technically permitted special counsel Jack Smith to proceed with his election subversion case against Trump, the ruling left many questions unanswered, complicating the timeline for a potential trial before the November election.

Progressive Support and Challenges Ahead

News of Biden’s forthcoming announcement has been met with approval from progressive groups advocating for court reform. Sarah Lipton-Lubet, president of Take Back the Court, emphasized the importance of these reforms in protecting hard-won rights and ensuring future progress.

However, the proposed reforms face significant hurdles. Congressional approval is required, and a constitutional amendment would need ratification by 38 states, a daunting prospect.

Broader Impact and Future Considerations

The Supreme Court’s approval ratings have plummeted in recent years, exacerbated by controversial rulings and ethical controversies involving justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Biden has leveraged these issues in his reelection campaign, warning about the potential impact of future Trump appointments to the bench.

In an interview with BET News’ Ed Gordon, Biden highlighted the stakes, noting the possibility of two more court appointments during the next presidential term. He urged voters to consider the long-term implications of such appointments.

Conclusion

Biden’s endorsement of Supreme Court reforms marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the court’s role and function. While the path to implementing these changes is fraught with challenges, the president’s stance signals a significant shift in the conversation about judicial accountability and the balance of power within the federal government.