President Joe Biden recently introduced a comprehensive plan to reform the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing that this will be a key focus for the remainder of his time in office. The proposed reforms include implementing term limits for Supreme Court justices, establishing a binding ethics code for the justices, and advocating for a constitutional amendment that would clarify that presidents can be prosecuted for crimes committed while in office.
The proposed constitutional amendment, named the “No One Is Above the Law Amendment,” is a direct response to a recent controversial Supreme Court ruling that granted former President Donald Trump immunity from criminal prosecution for acts carried out during his presidency. This decision has sparked significant backlash and criticism from Biden and others.
Additionally, Biden’s call for a binding ethics code for Supreme Court justices comes in the wake of scandals involving certain justices, such as Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who failed to disclose financial gifts, leading to conflicts of interest. These incidents have raised concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the Supreme Court.
Throughout his presidency, Biden has been increasingly vocal in his critiques of the conservative majority on the Supreme Court. He has expressed disappointment over decisions that have rolled back federal abortion protections, limited affirmative action in college admissions, and struck down his student debt relief program. The recent 6-3 ruling granting immunity to Trump further fueled Biden’s criticism of the Court.
Despite the challenges ahead, Biden remains committed to pushing through these reforms in the limited time he has left in office. He emphasized the importance of Supreme Court reform in upholding democracy and the rule of law. However, enacting these changes will require approval from Congress, presenting a significant obstacle given the current partisan divide.
Biden is scheduled to discuss his reform proposals further during a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas. As he strives to solidify his legacy as president, Biden is determined to address the pressing issues surrounding the Supreme Court and ensure that the institution upholds justice and integrity for all Americans.
