- Joe Biden criticises Supreme Court in push for reform
- He proposes ending lifetime appointments for justices, suggesting an 18-year term limit, and introducing an enforceable ethics code
- These suggestions follow controversial rulings from the conservative-majority court
- It will be difficult to pass these changes due to the House of Representatives being Republican-controlled
Joe Biden criticises Supreme Court in push for reform
President Joe Biden has called for major reforms to the Supreme Court, criticising its recent “extreme opinions.” His proposals include ending lifetime appointments for justices, suggesting an 18-year term limit, and introducing an enforceable ethics code to “restore trust and accountability.”
These suggestions follow controversial rulings from the conservative-majority court, such as overturning the constitutional right to abortion and granting broad immunity to presidents for “official acts.” The push for reform comes as Democrats aim to energise their base ahead of the November election, although the Republican-controlled House of Representatives presents a significant hurdle for passing these changes.
The court has faced scrutiny over judicial ethics, particularly after reports that Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose gifts. Currently, the nine justices serve for life, with new appointments made by the president upon a justice’s retirement or death. Notably, former President Donald Trump appointed three justices during his term.
NEW: President Joe Biden tells @owentjensen he wants to alter the U.S. Supreme Court because it needs to be reformed. The GOP says the president's proposal would undermine the legitimacy of the court. @EWTNNewsNightly pic.twitter.com/JEfdvzHc5o
— Toby Capion (@TobyCapion) July 29, 2024