Sherrilyn IfillI’m a civil rights lawyer. I don’t want to practice before a Court that’s compromised. I want a fair Court. Expansion would make this particular Court more ideologically balanced. Agree. But w/o a real, enforced ethics infrastructure, there will be 18 justices not fully disclosing financials, not compelled to recuse, praying in chambers w/their own faith leaders, going on trips w/groups filing briefs in cases before them, owning stock in indiv companies whose interests are before the Court.
Dan Cline@ifilljustice How would an ethical code for the Supreme Court be enforced?
PerryM ✅This is the sticky wicket! You can't have Rules of any kind without enforcement procedures.
My suggestion would be to have the Justices from the US Court of Appeals rule (vote) on violations, including dismissal.
Having a SCOTUS Chief Justice without the ability to discipline Justices for Rule or Ethical violation is not workable. SO .. Allow him/her to charge an errant Justice!
It would not work to have the Legislative or Executive Branches bring charges.
My 2₵ !
@PerryM @ifilljustice But, shouldn’t we be concerned about granting that level of power to a Chief Justice? What if punishments were meted out only to those justices who disagreed with the political views of the Chief Justice?
Dan, that's a possibility, or ignoring charges for errant Justices that he/she agrees with!
I am reminded of John Roberts who worries openly about the failing credibility of "his" Court. His record also shows that is probably the least political on the present Court. I also see open frustration that he can't do anything about it!
I would be very interested in other options... suggestions?