Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch Cautions President Biden on Court Reforms

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
04/08/2024 21h27

In a recent interview on "Fox News Sunday," Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch issued a warning to President Joe Biden regarding his proposed changes to the judiciary. While Gorsuch refrained from delving into the specifics of Biden's reform package, he emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent judiciary.

President Biden, 81, unveiled a comprehensive reform package last Monday, which included proposals for 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, a binding code of ethics, and a constitutional amendment to reverse the ruling on a president's absolute immunity for official acts. Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly endorsed the package.

While Gorsuch recognized the desire for potential reforms, he urged caution, stating, "I just say: Be careful." The justice, appointed by former President Donald Trump, highlighted the significance of an independent judiciary, emphasizing that it ensures fair hearings even when unpopular decisions are made.

"The independent judiciary... What does it mean to you as an American?" Gorsuch pondered in the interview. He highlighted that an independent judiciary is essential for safeguarding individual rights, especially when citizens find themselves in the spotlight with the government coming after them. Gorsuch emphasized the need for "ferociously independent judges and juries" to make critical decisions during such moments.

The conservative majority on the Supreme Court has long been a source of frustration for Democrats. Former President Trump successfully appointed three justices, taking advantage of Senate Republicans' refusal to consider former President Barack Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland, followed by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020. Subsequently, the Court has delivered several high-profile losses to the left, overturning the Roe v. Wade decision, striking down gun control laws, and supporting Trump's immunity claims.

President Biden established a commission in 2021 to examine the ongoing controversy surrounding the Supreme Court. However, the commission's report did not result in significant reforms. Some Democrats have openly floated the idea of expanding the number of seats on the Court, while others have called for a more robust ethics code following controversies involving various justices.

Gorsuch, in this interview, refrained from expressing his stance on a potential ethics code with stronger enforcement measures. Instead, he used the opportunity to promote his upcoming book, "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law," which he co-authored with one of his former law clerks. The book delves into Gorsuch's perspective as a judge for the past 18 years, highlighting the impact excessive laws can have on ordinary Americans striving to lead peaceful lives.

As the debate over potential Supreme Court reforms continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration and Congress will address the concerns expressed by Gorsuch and others regarding the preservation of an independent judiciary.

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

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