Ketanji Brown Jackson supports enforceable ethics code for Supreme Court
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stated her support for an enforceable ethics code for the Supreme Court during an interview.
- She highlighted the lack of a persuasive argument for the Supreme Court's exemption from having a binding ethics code, which is standard for lower courts.
- The call for an ethics code has intensified following reports of alleged conflicts of interest involving certain justices, indicating a need for greater accountability.
On CBS News Sunday Morning, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed her support for an enforceable code of ethics for the Supreme Court, emphasizing that a binding ethics code is standard for judges in lower courts. She noted that she has not encountered a convincing argument for why the Supreme Court should be treated differently. Jackson indicated that she is open to the idea of an enforcement mechanism for the ethics code but refrained from discussing specific proposals. Her comments follow similar sentiments expressed by Justice Elena Kagan, who advocated for a mechanism to enforce the ethics code adopted in November 2023. Kagan suggested the establishment of a committee composed of respected judges to oversee the enforcement of the code. The push for an ethics code gained momentum after reports highlighted potential conflicts of interest involving Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, raising concerns about the integrity of the Court. The allegations against Thomas involved trips funded by a Republican donor, while Alito faced scrutiny over a fishing trip with a hedge fund manager. The discussions around an enforceable ethics code reflect a growing demand for accountability and transparency within the Supreme Court, as justices navigate the complexities of their roles in the judicial system.