Next week, President Joe Biden is planning to introduce significant reforms to the Supreme Court.
These changes aim to overhaul the high court, addressing various structural and ethical issues currently under scrutiny.
Introducing Term Limits and Ethical Codes
According to Politico, President Biden is likely to endorse the establishment of term limits for Supreme Court justices and introduce a code of ethics.
This proposal aims to bring more accountability and transparency to the judicial system.
Cutting Back on Immunity
In a bold move, Biden plans to propose cutting back the immunity that shields presidents and other top officials from certain legal actions.
This comes right on the heels of Supreme Court decisions that extended these protections.
Reaction to Trump’s Immunity Case
This proposed amendment follows a Supreme Court decision that ruled presidents are shielded from prosecution for official acts, a case involving former President Donald Trump.
Biden commented on the decision, saying, “This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America. Today’s decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do.”
Plans Under Wraps
Details of Biden’s full plan are still unclear and may change, as reported by Politico.
However, it is expected that more information will be revealed during his upcoming trip to Texas, where he will speak at the Lyndon Baines Johnson presidential library in Austin.
High Ethics for the Supreme Court
The White House has not commented directly on these reforms.
However, Biden’s press secretary emphasized earlier this week that the President believes the Supreme Court should be “held to a high ethics standard.”
Biden Labels Court Decision ‘Dangerous’
Following the court’s ruling on Trump’s immunity, President Biden expressed his concerns, labeling the decision as “dangerous” and suggesting it would empower Trump if he were reelected.
Biden fears this could significantly alter the checks and balances within the government.
A Fundamental Change in Principles
President Biden has voiced that the conservative-leaning court has “fundamentally changed” a foundational principle of the nation.
He stated, “This is a fundamentally new principle and it’s a dangerous precedent. The only limits will be self-imposed by the president alone.”
Impact on Upcoming Trials
The Court’s 6-3 ruling effectively ensures that former President Trump will not face another trial before the November elections.
This decision has significant implications for the accountability of office holders.
Broader Attacks on Legal Principles
Biden has criticized the Supreme Court for its decisions that have reversed long-standing legal precedents.
These include Roe v. Wade, and other controversial decisions affecting civil and voting rights.
Biden’s Commitment to Judicial Reform
During an Oval Office address, President Biden reiterated his determination to pursue Supreme Court reform.
He said, “I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform, because this is critical to our democracy.”
Challenges Ahead with Divided Congress
While Biden pushes for these judicial reforms, the divided Congress may pose significant obstacles.
Moreover, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have been criticized for failing to maintain ethical standards, adding to the urgency for reform.
