Biden to Push for Major Supreme Court Reforms at Civil Rights Act Event
Historic Move Towards Court Reformation
On an upcoming Monday in a significant Civil Rights Act event, President Joe Biden is expected to urge for substantial Supreme Court reforms. This anticipated move will signify the first time in recent history that a sitting president has endorsed such significant alterations to the operation of the nation’s highest court.
Among the proposed reforms are a constitutional amendment to remove presidential immunity for crimes committed during their office tenure, installing term limits for Supreme Court justices, and implementing a binding code of conduct for the high court. Despite their monumental implications, these reforms face a stiff challenge in a divided Congress. However, this call aligns with an election-year message designed to energize the progressive base of the Democratic party.
The Proposed Shifts
According to an undisclosed White House official, the term limits proposed would affect future Supreme Court justices who typically serve lifetime appointments. Beyond this, Biden will propose an amendment named the “No One Is Above the Law Amendment”, that aims to clarify the Constitution by stating that holding the presidency does not protect one from federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction, or sentencing. While these potential changes are in line with several issues currently plaguing trust in the Supreme Court, the path to their approval in Congress will likely be challenged, given the divisive landscape of American Politics.
Political Responses and Criticisms
The proposal, despite eliciting brisk responses from various political quarters, received a swift endorsement from Vice President Kamala Harris, earmarked as the future Democratic presidential nominee. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, criticized the ambitious plan, asserting it won’t pass the House if Republicans maintain control post the next year’s elections. Other Republican allies accused the Biden Administration of a “dangerous gambit” with numerous claims about the Democrats’ intention being purely to unseat an opposing court membership.
Praise and Opposition from Policymakers
Conversely, the proposed enactments gained some applause within the Democratic party. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse referred to the Biden proposal as a “strong” endeavor. Vice President Harris, in her endorsement, affirmed that these changes would play a crucial role in regaining public trust in the Supreme Court, recognizing a “clear crisis of confidence” facing the institution. However, this move by the president has also been met with considerable opposition.
Supreme Court – Then and Now
The United States Supreme Court, often at the center of contentious debates due to its politically charged decisions, has seen its approval rates slide to historic lows. A recent survey denoted a stark drop in the court’s approval rating to 61% from a previous favourability score of 66%. As the court continues to be mired in ethical scandals and controversies relating to the overturning of long-standing precedents, it is evident that significant challenges abound in the endeavor to restore public trust in this institution.
A Step Towards a Rebalanced Judiciary?
While President Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposals are grounded in the necessity for greater institutional transparency and accountability, their success hinges on complex legislative and bicameral approval processes. Will this mark the beginning of major shifts in the constitutional landscape of the Supreme Court, or is it yet another notable but ultimately fruitless effort towards a more balanced American judiciary? Only time will tell.
