Guardian

Biden to announce plans to reform US supreme court – report

Pres. Joe Biden on Monday in an opinion essay in The Washington Post called for three reforms to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) he wrote will "restore trust and accountability" to the court and democracy in the US.

wapo

Biden wrote these ideas were inspired by the recent SCOTUS decision granting presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office, other decisions that went against "settled legal precedents," and recent revelations about justices whose "fairness and independence" have come into question.

First among Biden's proposals is the "No One Is Above The Law Amendment," which would prevent future presidents from claiming a constitutional right to immunity from federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction or sentencing.

USA Today

The president is also recommending an end to lifetime appointments to SCOTUS. Instead, sitting presidents would appoint a new justice to the court every two years for an 18-year term.

BBC News

Lastly, Biden, who was scheduled to speak about his reform ideas in Texas on Monday, has suggested Congress pass a law creating a court code of ethics, establishing guidelines for how justices disclose gifts, when they can engage in political activity, and how they decide whether to recuse themselves from certain cases.

The Associated Press

These proposals have little chance of becoming law, as it would take 60 votes in a narrowly divided Senate to overcome a potential filibuster. A Constitutional amendment would require a complicated proposal and voting process in the House and Senate.

Biden Calls For SCOTUS Reforms

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Biden Calls For SCOTUS Reforms

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters