Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed concern over President Joe Biden’s recent proposals to overhaul the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a Fox News interview, Gorsuch spoke strongly about the importance of judicial independence, cautioning against reforms that could undermine the judiciary’s role as a check on executive power.
President Biden’s proposed reforms include instituting term limits for Supreme Court justices, establishing a binding code of conduct, and introducing a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity.
These proposals come amid recent ethical controversies involving justices and landmark court rulings that have shifted the legal landscape on issues such as abortion, affirmative action, and environmental regulation.
Gorsuch, appointed by former President Donald Trump and a key figure in the Court’s conservative majority, warned against hasty changes. He stated:
“It’s there for the moments when the spotlight’s on you, when the government’s coming after you. And don’t you want a ferociously independent judge and a jury of your peers to make those decisions? Isn’t that your right as an American?”
He further added:
“Be careful,” highlighting his concern that Americans may not fully appreciate the unique value of the U.S. judiciary.
The justice’s comments come as Biden, who recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election, pushes for legislative and constitutional changes aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in the judiciary.
Biden’s proposal includes ending lifetime appointments for justices, advocating for an 18-year term limit system where a new justice would be appointed every two years.
He also calls for a judicial code of ethics to ensure justices disclose gifts, refrain from political activities, and recuse themselves from cases with potential conflicts of interest.
Additionally, Biden seeks to reverse a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted former presidents broad immunity from prosecution.
This decision has implications for the legal proceedings against former President Trump, who faces charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
The proposed reforms, however, face significant political hurdles, particularly in a deeply divided Congress.
The outcome of these initiatives remains uncertain, but they have sparked a broader debate about the future of the U.S. Supreme Court and its role in American democracy.
