Former Attorney General Bill Barr has expressed strong opposition to President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposition, which includes an enforceable code of ethics and functional 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices. These proposals have broad bipartisan support, with polling indicating favorability as high as 78% among Americans, according to Fox News polling.
In a recent op-ed co-authored with Kelly Shackelford, Barr argues that such “ethics reform” violates the Constitution and the principles of separation of powers. He suggests it is a partisan attempt to target conservative Justices like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito through fabricated scandals and partisan maneuvering.
However, critics have countered Barr’s assertions. For instance, lower federal courts already operate under an ethics code without such controversies. Notably, judges like Aileen Cannon and Matthew Kacsmaryk retain their positions despite having contentious records. Ethics codes, they argue, are intended to curb abuses rather than punish ideological deviations. Detailed allegations of misconduct and financial improprieties involving Justices have become a recurring issue, shedding light on the necessity of such reforms.
The debate also encompasses the feasibility and fairness of implementing term limits without constitutional amendments. Proponents argue that term limits could alleviate strategic retirements based on political climates and democratize the nomination process. Further, ensuring each presidential term includes two Supreme Court nominations would keep the bench more in line with the electorate’s evolving views.
To read the full original article on Bill Barr’s stance, visit Above the Law.