Biden’s Proposed Reforms
President Biden’s proposed reforms include term limits for justices, a binding code of conduct, and a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity.
Source: Wikimedia
These reforms aim to address recent ethics scandals and restore public trust in the Supreme Court.
The Call for Term Limits
Biden suggests ending lifetime appointments for justices, proposing instead 18-year terms with appointments every two years.
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He argues that this would ensure regular changes in court membership and add predictability to the nomination process.
A New Code of Ethics
Biden also wants a binding code of ethics for justices.
Source: @JoeBiden/YouTube
This would require justices to disclose gifts, avoid public political activities, and recuse themselves from cases where they have financial conflicts of interest.
Addressing Presidential Immunity
The president is pushing for a constitutional amendment to reverse a Supreme Court decision from July that grants former presidents broad immunity from prosecution.
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Biden argues that no one, not even a former president, should be above the law.
"Be Careful"
Justice Gorsuch, appointed by former President Trump, stressed the importance of an independent judiciary.
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He warned, “If you’re in the majority, you don’t need judges and juries to protect your rights if you’re popular.”
Promoting His New Book
Gorsuch’s comments come as he promotes his new book, Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law.
Source: Freepik
In it, he discusses the balance between law enforcement and liberty, highlighting the dangers of both too much and too little law.
Historical Context of Court Reforms
Biden’s proposed changes are the largest since Congress adopted the nine-justice system over 150 years ago.
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Previous attempts at reform, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, have also faced significant challenges.
Recent Supreme Court Decisions
The current conservative majority on the Supreme Court has made several landmark rulings, including overturning Roe v. Wade and ending affirmative action in college admissions.
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These decisions have intensified the debate over court reforms.
The Impact on the Upcoming Election
With less than 100 days before Election Day, Biden’s proposals are unlikely to pass in a deeply divided Congress.
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However, Democrats hope that the focus on judicial reforms will influence voters in the tight presidential race.
Vice President Harris’s Stance
Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has framed the election as a choice between “freedom and chaos.”
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She supports Biden’s reforms as a way to restore trust and accountability in democratic institutions.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over Supreme Court reforms continues, Gorsuch’s warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining judicial independence and implementing necessary changes.
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The outcome of this debate will shape the future of the U.S. judiciary and its role in American democracy.
