President Biden Outlines Sweeping Reforms for U.S. Supreme Court
President Biden unveiled his ambitious plans to overhaul the U.S. Supreme Court, proposing 18-year term limits, an enforceable code of ethics, and an end to presidential immunity for crimes committed while in office. The announcement comes in the wake of the Supreme Court granting former President Donald Trump immunity from prosecution for actions during his presidency.
Biden, speaking at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas, emphasized the importance of accountability and the rule of law. He proposed a constitutional amendment titled the “No One Is Above the Law Amendment” to ensure that former presidents can be held accountable for their actions.
Among his proposals, Biden called for term limits for Supreme Court justices, emphasizing the need for stability and continuity within the highest court in the land. He also stressed the importance of implementing a binding code of conduct for the justices to ensure ethical standards are upheld.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Biden’s reforms, calling them a radical attempt to reshape the Supreme Court. Despite opposition, experts like Jennifer Ahearn from the Brennan Center believe that Biden’s proposals mark a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about Supreme Court reform.
In a historic move, Justice Elena Kagan publicly supported the addition of an enforcement mechanism to the new ethics code, acknowledging the need for accountability within the judiciary. The conversation around Supreme Court reform has gained momentum, driven by investigative journalism and public demand for transparency and fairness.
This evolution in the debate marks a pivotal moment in U.S. judicial history, reflecting a shifting landscape towards a more accountable and balanced Supreme Court.