President Biden’s Proposed Changes to the U.S. Supreme Court
President Joe Biden recently unveiled a proposal for major changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, aiming to address ethics concerns, implement term limits for judges, and limit recent decisions on presidential immunity. While these changes face significant hurdles in Congress, they have sparked a national conversation on the state of the judiciary amidst growing public discontent.
The Case for Term Limits for Judges
Limited terms for U.S. Supreme Court justices enjoy widespread support among Americans, with a majority favoring specific terms over lifetime appointments. President Biden’s proposal advocates for 18-year term limits to bring more predictability and avoid undue influence by any single administration. However, implementing such limits would require amending the Constitution, a complex and challenging process.
Enforcing the Code of Ethics
Despite adopting a formal ethics rule in response to criticism last year, the Supreme Court currently lacks mechanisms to enforce it effectively. Calls for a more robust enforcement process have gained traction, but questions remain about who would oversee and implement such measures. Balancing judicial independence with accountability presents a delicate challenge in ensuring ethical conduct on the nation’s highest court.
The Debate Over Presidential Immunity
President Biden’s push for a constitutional amendment to limit the broad immunity granted to former presidents, including Donald Trump, has drawn both support and opposition. Overcoming the hurdles of constitutional amendment—requiring significant bipartisan support and state approval—poses a formidable obstacle. The contentious nature of this proposal underscores deep divisions over the scope of executive power and accountability in the U.S. political landscape.
