Stay in Your Lane: Justice Gorsuch Reminds Joe Biden About Judicial Independence

Justice Neil Gorsuch recently reminded President Joe Biden to exercise caution when thinking about the Supreme Court. Specifically, the conservative justice reminded the President about the importance of judicial independence. In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Gorsuch warned against actions that might undermine the judiciary's independence by hinting “Be careful.”

Judicial independence ensures that every American receives a fair hearing, regardless of their popularity or the spotlight's intensity. Gorsuch explained, “The independent judiciary… What does it mean to you as an American? It means that when you’re unpopular, you can get a fair hearing.” This principle is vital in maintaining a legal system that serves all citizens impartially.

Biden: Cautious No More

Before his recent announcements, President Biden had previously taken a more cautious approach to judicial reform. Early in his presidency, he established a bipartisan commission to study potential reforms to the Supreme Court. This commission was tasked with evaluating various ideas, including court expansion and term limits for justices, to ensure any changes would be well-considered and not hastily implemented.

However, the President seemihly backtracked on his stance. In a speech last month, Biden reversed his stance and is now openly supporting 18-year term limits for justices. He also raised the need for legislation to create a binding ethics code for the Supreme Court. These proposals sparked significant debate, raising concerns about their potential impact on judicial independence. Biden’s shift to supporting 18-year term limits and a binding ethics code marks a significant change in his position. He cited recent Supreme Court decisions and ethical controversies as the impetus for his revised stance. Among these were the 2022 decision overturning the federal constitutional right to abortion and other rulings that have sparked public debate about the court’s role in American society.

Delicate Balance to Maintain Judicial Independence

While Gorsuch did not directly address Biden's proposals' specifics, he cautioned against measures that could erode the judiciary's independence. He urged Americans to think carefully before supporting changes that might compromise the court's impartiality. “It’s there for the moments when the spotlight’s on you—when the government’s coming after you,” Gorsuch stated, underscoring the judiciary's role in protecting individual rights.

Recent controversies involving Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, along with landmark rulings such as the overturning of the federal constitutional right to abortion, have intensified calls for judicial reforms. Despite these pressures, Gorsuch's remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure an unbiased judiciary.

Gorsuch to Biden: Stay in Your Lane

Justice Gorsuch's warnings highlight the importance of preserving judicial independence to protect minority rights and maintain the legal system's integrity. As the debate over Biden's proposals continues, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications for the judiciary and its ability to serve all Americans impartially. In other words, Biden should finish his term quietly and gracefully by remembering to stay in his lane.

Justice Gorsuch's stance against President Biden's proposals underscores the importance of judicial independence. His warnings remind us of the potential consequences of undermining this principle and the need to carefully consider any changes to the Supreme Court's structure. The debate over judicial reforms continues, highlighting the critical balance between maintaining ethical standards and preserving the judiciary's impartiality.

Do you agree to fixed term limits for US Supreme Court justices? Or, should Biden just shut up and respect judicial independence? Let us now what you think!