The justices reportedly have been discussing an ethics code — guess how it’s going. (via Deadline: Legal Blog)
, a code of conduct.of the court effectively operating on an ethical honor system — unlike judges at lower federal courts, who are bound by a code. But it’s especially embarrassing that the justices apparently have been debating the issue among themselves for years to no avail.
The Post reports that the prospect of adopting an ethics code “remains an active topic at the court” but that there’s “no timeline for the justices to act.”for the unpopular tribunal to adopt a binding code, with Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., introducing a bill on the matter this week, the latest legislative attempt to impose some appearance of order at the court.
There’s one thing about this new reporting that seems particularly significant. And that’s the fact that we are learning about the cloistered court’s internal deliberations on the matter. Perhaps the court, or some elements within it, understands that the ethical status quo is absurd and wants to give the public some assurance.
Ultimately, the justices deigning to bind themselves to ethical standards is a pathetically low hurdle to clear. Even then, we’ll believe it when we see it.Jordan Rubin is the Deadline: Legal Blog writer. He previously served as a prosecutor for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and is the author of the forthcoming book “Bizarro” about the secret war on synthetic drugs. Prior to joining MSNBC, he was a legal reporter for Bloomberg Law.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Supreme Court justices discussed, but did not agree on code of conductCritics of the court have intensified calls for reform, placing greater scrutiny on the justices' behavior and the activities of their spouses.
Read more »
Supreme Court justices face new pressure to adopt code of conductSupreme Court justices are under increasing scrutiny for alleged ethical lapses but have repeatedly refused to adopt the same code followed by lower court judges.
Read more »
Here’s why yet another Supreme Court case might become mootAnother one of the Supreme Court’s big disputes this term — this one involving Title 42 and immigration — could disappear before it’s decided. Here’s how.
Read more »
30 news groups ask Idaho Supreme Court to reject gag order in college murders caseThirty news organizations have asked the Idaho Supreme Court to overturn a sweeping gag order in a case against a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death.
Read more »
Supreme Court might have easy outs on elections, immigrationWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court soon could find itself with easy ways out of two high-profile cases involving immigration and elections, if indeed the justices are looking to avoid potent…
Read more »
Former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Working With Redistricting Group on Possible AmendmentFormer Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor working with redistricting group on language for possible amendment
Read more »