Supreme Court Overhaul: Biden Proposes Term Limits, Ethics Code, and Presidential Immunity Amendment – Will It Stick?

Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden has put forth a series of proposals aimed at reforming the U.S. Supreme Court, including the implementation of an enforceable code of ethics, term limits for justices, and a constitutional amendment to address recent decisions regarding presidential immunity. While these ideas are unlikely to pass through a closely divided Congress before Election Day, they have ignited a national conversation as public trust in the court reaches a historic low amid concerns over ethical lapses among some justices and recent controversial rulings.

One key proposal from President Biden is to limit the terms of Supreme Court justices to 18 years, a move that enjoys significant public support according to polling data. However, implementing such term limits presents a constitutional challenge, as federal judges are currently granted lifetime tenure unless they voluntarily step down or are removed from the bench.

Another significant aspect of Biden’s proposals is the call for an enforceable code of ethics for Supreme Court justices. While the court adopted a formal code of ethics just last year, there is currently no mechanism in place to enforce it. The lack of enforcement raises questions about accountability and transparency within the highest court in the land.

Additionally, President Biden is advocating for a constitutional amendment to limit the broad immunity from criminal prosecution that former President Donald Trump and future presidents enjoy. The proposed amendment seeks to clarify that no president is above the law, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the rule of law over unchecked executive power.

Despite the challenges of passing constitutional amendments, Biden’s proposals have sparked debate across party lines. While Democrats and some legal experts support the reforms as necessary steps to ensure fairness and accountability in the judiciary, conservative critics warn against what they see as an attempt to politicize and weaken the Supreme Court.

Ultimately, the fate of Biden’s proposed reforms remains uncertain, as the political divide in Congress poses a significant obstacle to their passage. However, the debate surrounding these proposals underscores the deepening concerns over the Supreme Court’s role in American democracy and the potential for future reform efforts in this critical institution.