Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Calls for Enforceable Ethics Code for Supreme Court Amid Growing Scrutiny
September 1, 2024
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed strong support for an enforceable code of ethics for justices, emphasizing that such standards are 'pretty standard' for federal judges.
During a recent interview, Jackson questioned why the Supreme Court should be treated differently from other courts regarding ethical standards, noting that a binding code is standard for judges.
Her comments come amid growing scrutiny over the court's ethics practices, particularly concerning undisclosed gifts and luxury trips accepted by justices, including Justice Clarence Thomas.
Justice Thomas has faced significant criticism for accepting undisclosed gifts and vacations from billionaire GOP donor Harlan Crow, with reports highlighting these issues.
Although the Supreme Court adopted its first formal code of conduct in November 2023, it lacks enforcement mechanisms, leading to criticism from ethics experts.
In response to these concerns, President Joe Biden has proposed reforms, urging Congress to impose an enforceable code of ethics on the Supreme Court similar to those for other federal judges.
While Jackson indicated she is generally in favor of an enforceable ethics code, she refrained from endorsing specific proposals during the interview.
Jackson emphasized the importance of transparency regarding gifts to maintain public trust in judicial impartiality, stating that judges should not accept gifts that could influence their decisions.
Biden has highlighted growing public concern over the court's integrity, particularly in light of controversies involving justices like Thomas and Samuel Alito.
Jackson's remarks reflect a broader call from Democrats for stricter regulations on the Supreme Court's ethical practices amid declining public trust.
She underscored that public trust is crucial for the court's legitimacy, as it relies on the populace's commitment to the rule of law.
This interview marks Jackson's first broadcast appearance since joining the Supreme Court in June 2022, coinciding with the upcoming release of her memoir, 'Lovely One.'
Summary based on 6 sources
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Yahoo News • Sep 1, 2024
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson says she's open to an 'enforceable' Supreme Court ethics code