In response to mounting allegations of ethics lapses, the Supreme Court announced on Monday the adoption of a new code of conduct aimed at addressing concerns regarding the justices' adherence to ethical standards. The code, which consolidates existing rules and principles, seeks to reaffirm the court's commitment to integrity and independence.

While many of the rules outlined in the code are not novel, the lack of a previously published code led to misconceptions that the justices considered themselves exempt from ethical guidelines, according to a statement issued by the court. The code requires justices to maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary and avoid any impropriety or appearance of impropriety in their actions.

Pressure had been mounting on the court following reports suggesting ethical violations by justices. Recognizing these concerns, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee introduced legislation proposing a new ethics code for the court, citing the justices' failure to act independently. The senators argued that they were compelled to take action due to the absence of a binding ethics code that applies to other judges.

While Supreme Court justices already adhere to certain rules, such as the filing of annual financial disclosure reports, they are not bound by the code of conduct applicable to lower court judges. To allay criticisms, the justices released a statement in April reaffirming their commitment to ethical principles, but the move did not quell the scrutiny.

The recent focus on ethics violations stemmed from an article published by ProPublica in April, which revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas had taken undisclosed trips funded by Republican billionaire Harlan Crow. Subsequently, ProPublica reported in June that Justice Samuel Alito had likewise failed to disclose a trip to Alaska in 2008.

Efforts to address these concerns were set in motion last week when the Senate Judiciary Committee planned to vote on issuing subpoenas for Crow and conservative legal activist Leonard Leo. However, the vote was unexpectedly postponed.

In recent months, several justices have expressed support for the court establishing its own code of conduct. Justice Alito questioned the legal authority of Congress to impose such a code on a separate branch of government.

Critics have contended that allegations of ethics lapses disproportionately target conservative judges, fueling accusations that Democrats seek to delegitimize the Supreme Court. Claims have been made that the court's conservative majority, which handed down controversial decisions such as the rollback of abortion rights in the landmark case Roe v. Wade last year, has become a target of partisan ire.

With the adoption of the new code of conduct, the Supreme Court hopes to address concerns surrounding ethics and ensure transparency in the actions of its justices. While the spotlight on the court's ethical standards may continue, the code serves as a testament to the court's commitment to upholding its integrity and independence in the judicial process.