Joe Biden Calls for Supreme Court Reforms, Wants Term Limits for Justices

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With a few months remaining in his term, President Joe Biden announced a three-pronged proposal for Supreme Court reforms. His ambitious plan includes term limits for justices, a binding ethics code, and a constitutional amendment to eliminate presidential immunity from criminal prosecution.

The Heart of Proposed Supreme Court Reforms: No One Is Above the Law

The centerpiece of Biden's proposal is the “No One Is Above the Law Amendment.” This amendment responds to the Supreme Court's recent controversial ruling. The ruling declared former President Donald Trump immune from criminal prosecution for “official acts” committed while in office. This decision has sparked widespread debate and criticism, raising questions about accountability and justice.

Biden's proposed ethics code is another significant component. This follows recent scandals involving Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. They accepted undisclosed financial gifts, leading to major conflicts of interest. These incidents have highlighted the need for Supreme Court reforms that promote stricter ethical standards to maintain public trust.

Biden’s Criticism of the Conservative Majority

Throughout his administration, Biden has run afoul with the Supreme Court's conservative majority. The SCOTUS made several contentious rulings that ran counter to the Democratic Party ideals. They include the repeal of federal abortion protections, limiting affirmative action in college admissions, and striking down Biden's student debt relief program. These decisions have prompted the President to call for significant Supreme Court reforms and ensure the court aligns more closely with democratic values.

Following the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling on presidential immunity, Biden condemned the decision. “This decision today has continued the Court's attack on a wide range of long-established legal principles,” he stated. he believed that without greater accountability, the Court's decisions will continue to undermine critical administration principles. 

Famous SCOTUS Decisions Opposed by Biden

Several Supreme Court decisions during Biden's presidency have run contrary to his policies and vision for America. One significant case was the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which had protected a woman's right to choose for nearly 50 years. This latest decision removed federal protection for abortion rights, leaving the matter to individual states. Biden criticized this ruling, emphasizing the need for protecting women's reproductive rights.

Another notable decision was the limitation on affirmative action in college admissions. The court ruled against policies that consider race as a factor in college admissions. The Biden administration argued that these policies are essential for promoting diversity and equality in education. However, the Supreme Court took a different view of the matter. 

Finally, the SCOTUS also struck down Biden's student debt relief program, which aimed to forgive a portion of federal student loans for millions of Americans. The decision hindered Biden's efforts to provide financial relief to struggling borrowers and address the growing student debt crisis.

Challenges Ahead for Biden’s Ambitious Supreme Court Reforms Plan

Biden's new plan for Supreme Court reforms comes after his decision to drop out of the race against Trump. After stepping down from consideration, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. Instead, the President seemed determined to prioritize Supreme Court reform. “I'm going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy,” Biden declared last Wednesday.

However, turning these proposals into law will not be easy. Congressional approval is required, and the current partisan split in Congress poses a significant challenge. Passing a constitutional amendment demands a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate. Unless the Republicans in Congress share the same viewpoint, Biden’s plans are doomed from the start in this current political climate.

Is Biden Trying to Get it Right or Trying to Get Even? 

Biden's focus on Supreme Court reform reflects his worldview of safeguarding democracy and ensuring accountability at all levels of government. As he prepares to address his proposals at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas, the nation will be watching closely to see how this bold plan unfolds. The President may have advocated for transparency and fairness in all branches of government, but he’s going to need all the help he can get on this plan. 

President Biden's reform plan addresses pressing issues within the Supreme Court, its success hinges on overcoming significant political obstacles. The need for reform is evident, but achieving it requires navigating a complex and divided Congress. As the president’s term winds down, his push for these reforms could leave a lasting impact on the nation's legal landscape. The upcoming months will be critical in determining whether these ambitious proposals can become a reality.

Do you support any proposals for Supreme Court reforms? Do you agree that SC Justices also need to adopt a fixed term instead of a lifetime appointment? Tell us what you think by leaving your comments below.