Biden suggests big changes for Supreme Court amid ongoing controversy
President Biden is proposing significant changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, urging Congress to establish term limits, an ethics code for the justices, and a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity. The President’s plan aims to address concerns about the court’s conservative majority and recent controversial decisions that have stirred outrage among Democrats.
The proposal includes abolishing lifetime appointments to the court and introducing a system where a sitting president appoints a justice every two years to serve an 18-year term. This move is intended to bring regularity to court membership and predictability to the nomination process. In addition, President Biden is pushing for the establishment of a code of ethics for justices, requiring them to disclose gifts, avoid political activities, and recuse themselves from cases involving conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, the President is calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning the Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting broad immunity to former presidents. This decision has significant implications for ongoing legal cases, including those involving former President Trump.
The proposed reforms come after mounting concerns about the court’s integrity, with revelations about justices’ questionable relationships and decisions raising doubts about their impartiality. President Biden emphasizes the need for trust and accountability in the court to uphold the public’s confidence in its decisions, particularly those affecting personal freedoms.
Although the proposal faces challenges in a divided Congress, Democrats see it as a crucial step to engage voters in the upcoming election. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has framed the race as a choice between freedom and chaos, underscoring the importance of addressing issues within the Supreme Court.
The President, drawing on his extensive experience in government and overseeing Supreme Court nominations, believes that the proposed reforms are essential to restore faith in democratic institutions. His call for bold changes aims to address threats facing America’s democracy and ensure accountability in the court’s functioning.
Notably, the proposal does not involve expanding the nine-member court, a topic that has divided opinions among lawmakers. President Biden’s evolving stance on court reform reflects his growing conviction that the institution has strayed from its constitutional mandate, prompting him to prioritize these changes during his presidency’s final months.
Critics, including former President Trump, have characterized the reform efforts as partisan attacks on the judiciary and an attempt to influence the upcoming election. However, supporters of the proposal argue that it is essential to safeguard the court’s independence, address ethical concerns, and uphold democratic principles.
In a highly polarized political environment, the debate over Supreme Court reforms underscores the broader challenges facing the judiciary and its role in shaping American democracy. President Biden’s proposal sets the stage for a contentious legislative battle and a critical examination of the court’s function and credibility.
As the country grapples with pressing issues and political divisions, the future of the U.S. Supreme Court remains a central concern for lawmakers, legal experts, and the public. The President’s call for reforms reflects a growing consensus that institutional changes are necessary to uphold the court’s integrity and ensure its continued relevance in a rapidly changing society.
