Judicial Reform

Senate Democrats Uncover More Unreported Luxury Trips by Clarence Thomas

A Senate Democratic investigation uncovered additional unreported luxury trips taken by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in 2021, including private jet and yacht travel sponsored by billionaire Harlan Crow. The 93-page report details over two dozen instances of Thomas accepting luxury travel and gifts from wealthy benefactors, totaling over $4.75 million since his confirmation, much of which went unreported until the adoption of a new ethics code. The report urges Congress to create an enforceable code of conduct for Supreme Court justices, highlighting the lack of accountability within the court and the need for greater transparency. While the investigation didn’t find evidence of undue influence, it reveals a pattern of undisclosed luxury travel among several justices, prompting calls for reform.

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Supreme Court Ethics Review Reveals Luxury Trips, Demands Enforceable Code

A Senate Judiciary Committee report details Justice Clarence Thomas’s undisclosed luxury travel, totaling over $4.75 million in gifts and travel since 1991, including unreported 2021 trips sponsored by Harlan Crow. The report, which also highlights ethical concerns involving other justices, urges Congress to create an enforceable code of conduct for Supreme Court justices, a measure unlikely to pass with Republicans soon taking Senate control. The investigation revealed a pattern of undisclosed gifts and travel extending back to Justice Antonin Scalia, while current justices have faced scrutiny for various conflicts of interest.

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Manchin and Welch Propose Supreme Court Term Limits Amendment

The recently proposed constitutional amendment by Senators Manchin and Welch to establish term limits for Supreme Court justices is a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding the court’s composition and legitimacy. This amendment aims to address concerns about the court’s perceived political nature and dwindling public trust by imposing an 18-year term limit on newly appointed justices. This would lead to a roughly biennial turnover of justices, injecting a fresh perspective into the court’s deliberations while providing a degree of predictability in judicial appointments.

The senators’ proposal is presented as a means to restore public confidence in the Supreme Court, arguing that the current system contributes to the perception of the court as a purely political entity.… Continue reading

Mexico’s Supreme Court Justices Resign Amid Controversial Judicial Reform Concerns

Eight out of 11 justices on Mexico’s Supreme Court have resigned in response to a constitutional reform requiring judges to be elected by popular vote. The judges will formally step down in August and November 2025, but their departures have already deepened tensions between the Supreme Court and the government, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis. While three Supreme Court justices publicly support the reform, the resigning justices are careful to clarify their resignation does not signify agreement with the controversial changes.

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Missouri judge blocks Biden student loan forgiveness that was cleared to proceed

As I sit here reflecting on the recent news that a Missouri judge has once again blocked President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and disbelief. The constant back and forth, the legal battles, and the political posturing – it’s all starting to feel like a never-ending rollercoaster of hope and disappointment.

It’s disheartening to see a federal judge in a state like Missouri, with its own set of unique challenges and circumstances, derail a plan that could have potentially changed the lives of so many struggling borrowers. The fact that this decision seems to be motivated by political ideology rather than genuine concern for the well-being of American citizens is even more infuriating.… Continue reading

Most Americans back term limits for Supreme Court: poll

The idea of term limits for Supreme Court justices is gaining traction among most Americans, and it’s not hard to see why. The concept of placing limits on how long individuals can hold such powerful positions is fundamentally sound. When the Constitution was written, the average lifespan was much shorter, and the notion of someone serving on the Supreme Court for decades was unfathomable. A 20-year term limit seems like a reasonable revision that could prevent the Court from becoming stagnant with justices who are no longer in touch with the times.

It’s clear that the Supreme Court needs stronger ethical guidelines and oversight.… Continue reading

Mexico will amend its constitution this weekend to require all judges to be elected

Mexico is on the brink of making a drastic change to its judicial system that has sent shockwaves of concern throughout the nation. This weekend, the country will amend its constitution to require all judges to be elected, a move that has drawn criticism and apprehension from many quarters. The implications of this decision are grave, considering the existing control that drug cartels have over various regions of Mexico.

The recent cancellation of Independence Day celebrations in Sinaloa due to cartel violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that Mexico faces in ensuring fair and unbiased elections for judges.… Continue reading

Joe Biden’s Supreme Court Reforms Backed by Donald Trump Supporters

Joe Biden’s Supreme Court reforms are making waves, even among Donald Trump supporters. It’s intriguing to think about how many initiatives would garner bipartisan support if they weren’t labeled as Democratic proposals. The idea of term limits for Supreme Court justices seems to strike a chord with a majority of Americans, regardless of their political affiliation.

I’ve had similar experiences with family members who seemed to flip-flop on issues based solely on party lines. It’s disheartening to see the level of polarization in our country, where practical and common-sense reforms are dismissed simply because they are associated with a particular political figure.… Continue reading

Biden set to announce support for major Supreme Court changes

Biden set to announce support for major Supreme Court changes, including proposals for legislation to establish term limits for the justices and an enforceable ethics code. This move comes at a critical time when the Supreme Court’s decisions have become increasingly partisan and controversial. With the recent confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the court’s conservative majority is poised to have a lasting impact on the direction of the country.

Term limits for Supreme Court justices are a sensible reform that should have bipartisan support. Lifetime appointments may have been appropriate when the Constitution was written, but in today’s political landscape, it has led to a situation where the future of our country hinges on the health and longevity of individual justices.… Continue reading

Judge dismisses classified documents indictment against Trump

A federal judge recently dismissed the indictment against former President Trump involving the mishandling of classified documents. The judge argued that the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution, citing concerns over the role of Congress in such appointments. This decision has sparked outrage and disbelief among many Americans, including myself. It raises questions about the integrity and fairness of our judicial system, particularly when it comes to high-profile and politically sensitive cases.

The ruling by Judge Cannon, who was a Trump appointee, has been scrutinized for its timing and potential political motivations. Some have speculated that this decision was a deliberate move to benefit Trump and give him a boost during the Republican National Convention.… Continue reading