Biden Criticizes Supreme Court’s “Extreme Opinions” and Proposes Major Reforms
In a significant move, President Joe Biden has voiced strong criticism of the Supreme Court, labeling its recent decisions as stemming from “extreme opinions.” His remarks come as he outlines ambitious proposals aimed at reforming the judiciary, which include the elimination of life appointments for justices.
The president’s proposals emerge in the wake of controversial rulings from the court, particularly the decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion and broaden presidential immunity from prosecution for "official acts."
Biden advocates for an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices and a comprehensive ethics code, emphasizing the need to restore public trust and accountability in the judicial system. However, gaining approval for these reforms may prove challenging, as Republicans control the House of Representatives.
Democratic officials believe that pushing for judicial reform could energize voters ahead of the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the court has faced scrutiny for alleged judicial ethics violations, notably involving Justice Clarence Thomas and undisclosed gifts.
Biden’s Speech Highlights Ethics Crisis
During a recent speech in Austin, Texas, Biden condemned the court’s ideologically charged decisions, stating that they have jeopardized established civil rights protections. He pointed to a “crisis of ethics” within the court, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest among justices.
He asserted that reforms are crucial to rebuilding public trust and maintaining essential checks and balances within the democracy. The timing of his speech coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, further highlighting the significance of civil rights in today’s judicial climate.
In an accompanying statement, Biden emphasized the irregularity of the current situation, expressing that it undermines the public’s confidence in judicial outcomes affecting personal freedoms. He proposed a system where a new justice would be appointed every two years, serving an 18-year term, a strategy aimed at diminishing the court’s politicization.
Additionally, Biden seeks to introduce a new code of ethics mandating justices to disclose gifts and refrain from engaging in overtly political activities. Although the Supreme Court introduced a code of ethics last year, it lacks enforcement provisions.
Biden also aims to pass a constitutional amendment to reverse a recent ruling granting immunity to former presidents, arguing that it should be clear that no individual, regardless of their former position, is above the law.
Republican Response: Reform Proposals Rejected
Republican leaders have swiftly criticized Biden’s reform proposals. The Trump campaign accused the president and Vice President Kamala Harris of attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the court, claiming their plans are part of a scheme to appoint liberal judges.
Senator Lindsey Graham expressed skepticism about the Democrats’ sincerity when liberal justices were delivering rulings they favored. Former President Trump denounced the reform efforts as illegal and unconstitutional, framing them as an attack on a vital institution.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson termed Biden’s proposals "dead on arrival," to which Biden responded that such thinking was equally obsolete. Legal experts, such as Professor Daniel Urman, suggest that the timing of Biden’s proposals may be problematic, as recent lame-duck administrations have historically struggled to enact significant legislation.
Despite potential obstacles, public support for court reform, particularly term limits, remains a compelling aspect of the ongoing political discourse as the nation approaches the upcoming electoral season.
