The article argues that Democrats should prioritize an enforceable Supreme Court ethics code over term limits or court expansion, which it says are politically or constitutionally unreliable. It presents Senator Chris Murphy’s Supreme Court Ethics Act as a practical way to address gaps in judicial ethics rules and build public support for broader reform.
Senator and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair listed as a cosignatory of Murphy’s bill.
ALSO MENTIONED Amy Coney Barrett, Justice identified as one of the conservatives who changed position in a later ruling.; Brett Kavanaugh, Justice identified as one of the conservatives who changed position in a later ruling.; Clarence Thomas, Justice whose recusal conduct is criticized in relation to his wife’s election-related activity.; Franklin D. Roosevelt, Former president mentioned in connection with an unsuccessful court-expansion proposal.; Ginni Thomas, Clarence Thomas’s wife, mentioned in connection with efforts to overturn the 2020 election.; John Marshall, Former chief justice invoked for his description of the judiciary’s role.; John Roberts, Chief Justice whose rulings and voluntary ethics code are discussed critically.; Neil Gorsuch, Justice identified as one of the conservatives who changed position in a later ruling.; Ronald Reagan, Former president whose solicitor general’s description of the court is quoted.; Samuel Alito, Justice whose dissenting rationale and conduct are cited in the article’s criticism of the court.
