President Biden to Propose Constitutional Changes for Supreme Court Reform

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
27/07/2024 21h42

The proposed amendments will include setting term limits for justices and establishing an enforceable code of ethics. Additionally, the President is likely to voice support for limiting immunity for presidents and certain officeholders.

According to Politico, the specifics of the proposal have not been finalized and could still change. However, it is reported that President Biden intends to seek term limits for Supreme Court justices, which would require a constitutional amendment. Additionally, he aims to establish a code of ethics for the court, which could be enacted by Congress.

Term limits for justices would introduce a new practice to the Supreme Court, ensuring that no individual serves for an extended period, thus preventing undue influence and promoting diversity of perspectives. Establishing an enforceable code of ethics would help maintain transparency and integrity within the court.

President Biden also intends to address the issue of presidential immunity, following a recent court ruling that stated presidents cannot be prosecuted for "official acts" during their time in office. The President is expected to support a constitutional amendment that would limit this immunity and hold officeholders accountable for their actions.

The process of amending the Constitution is a challenging one. A two-thirds majority of both the House and the Senate would need to pass the proposed amendments, which would then be sent to the states for ratification. Approval from three-fourths of the states, or 38 out of the 50, is necessary for the amendments to become the supreme law of the land.

In public remarks after the court's ruling on presidential immunity, President Biden expressed his disagreement, stating that it undermined the rule of law in the nation. He emphasized the importance of Supreme Court reform, connecting it to protecting long-established legal principles, voting rights, civil rights, and a woman's right to choose.

The White House has not yet provided specific details about the proposed amendments, and it is unclear when the formal proposal will be presented. However, President Biden has made it clear that Supreme Court reform is one of his top priorities for the remainder of his term in office.

As this story develops, it is expected to generate significant debate and attention. Critics argue that altering the structure and practices of the Supreme Court could have profound implications for the balance of power in the judicial system. Supporters, however, believe that reforms are necessary to ensure fairness, accountability, and uphold the principles of democracy.

The President's decision not to seek re-election in 2024, announced recently under mounting pressure from Democratic Party officials, reflects his commitment to focusing on his current responsibilities while pursuing crucial reforms. In an Oval Office address, President Biden outlined his priorities, which include lowering costs for families, growing the economy, defending personal freedoms and civil rights, combating hate and extremism, and addressing pressing issues such as gun violence and climate change.

Supreme Court reform is now prominently added to President Biden's agenda, signaling his determination to address longstanding concerns surrounding the court's structure and functions. As these proposed constitutional changes are set forth, their potential impact and the subsequent legislative process will undoubtedly capture the attention of the nation.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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