President Joe Biden is preparing to endorse significant reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court, which include the imposition of term limits for justices and the establishment of an enforceable ethics code. The Washington Post reports that Biden is also contemplating a constitutional amendment to eliminate immunity for presidents and other office holders, according to sources familiar with the plans.
These proposed reforms follow the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity, which upheld immunity for former President Donald Trump regarding his official acts. This decision has prompted Biden to seek measures that reinforce accountability and the rule of law.
During a Zoom call with the Congressional Progressive Caucus on Saturday, Biden revealed his intentions to push for Supreme Court reforms. “I’m going to need your help on the Supreme Court, because I’m about to come out — I don’t want to prematurely announce it — but I’m about to come out with a major initiative on limiting the court … I’ve been working with constitutional scholars for the last three months, and I need some help,” Biden stated, as per a transcript obtained by the outlet.
Article III of the U.S. Constitution stipulates that justices “shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour,” which typically means life tenure unless impeached. Therefore, any changes to this provision would necessitate action by Congress, which holds the authority to alter the Court’s composition.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s immunity, Biden addressed the nation, emphasizing that “No one is above the law, not even the President of the United States. With today’s Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, that fundamentally changed.” He argued that the decision undermines the rule of law and is part of a broader trend of challenging established legal principles.
Biden’s initiative to reform the Supreme Court is also occurring amid increasing calls for him to withdraw from the presidential race, following a disappointing debate performance in June. Despite these pressures, Biden remains focused on pursuing judicial reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and ethical standards within the highest court.
