President Joe Biden recently unveiled a three-pronged proposal to reform the Supreme Court, focusing on term limits for justices, a binding ethics code, and a constitutional amendment that denies presidents immunity from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. The proposed amendment, titled the “No One Is Above the Law Amendment,” was prompted by a controversial Supreme Court ruling that granted former President Donald Trump immunity from criminal prosecution for “official acts” while in office. Biden’s ethics code proposal was fueled by scandals involving justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito receiving undisclosed financial gifts that presented conflicts of interest.
Throughout his administration, Biden has been increasingly critical of the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, which has made decisions such as repealing federal abortion protections, limiting affirmative action, and striking down the president’s student debt relief program. Following the Supreme Court’s 6-3 immunity ruling, Biden denounced the decision as an attack on established legal principles and the rule of law in the United States. The president’s reform plan comes shortly after he dropped out of the race against Trump and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, as he seeks to solidify his legacy in the final months of his presidency.
Biden emphasized the importance of Supreme Court reform for the health of democracy in a national address from the Oval Office, stating that it will be a priority for his remaining time in office. However, implementing his proposals will require approval from Congress, a difficult task given the current partisan divide. A constitutional amendment, in particular, necessitates a two-thirds majority approval from both the House and the Senate. The president plans to discuss his reform proposals further during a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas later on the same day he announced them.
Reforming the Supreme Court is a crucial aspect of Biden’s agenda as he seeks to address issues such as term limits for justices, a binding ethics code, and presidential immunity from prosecution. The proposed changes aim to address concerns about conflicts of interest among justices and ensure accountability for criminal acts committed by presidents while in office. Biden’s criticisms of the Supreme Court have intensified in response to recent decisions that have rolled back important protections and programs, leading him to push for meaningful reform before the end of his term.
Despite the challenges ahead, including the need for congressional approval and the current partisan divide in Congress, Biden remains committed to pursuing Supreme Court reform as a priority in his administration. The president’s plan to overhaul the Supreme Court was announced just days after he endorsed Vice President Harris as his successor, signaling his determination to leave a lasting impact on the judiciary. By addressing issues related to justice ethics, presidential immunity, and term limits for justices, Biden aims to strengthen the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the highest court in the United States.
