Kagan proposes Supreme Court ethics code enforcement plan

On Monday, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan proposed a plan for enforcing the Supreme Court's ethics code, which was established last year. This proposal comes amid increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers regarding ethical concerns surrounding several justices, particularly Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, who have faced allegations of unethical behavior. Kagan suggested that a panel composed of lower court justices, appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts, could effectively address these issues by filtering out baseless claims while focusing on those with merit. During her speech at New York University School of Law, Kagan emphasized the importance of compliance with the code of conduct to maintain public confidence in the judiciary. She acknowledged the current environment where unfounded accusations can proliferate, arguing that a structured approach could mitigate this problem. Kagan expressed confidence in the ability of lower court judges to handle such responsibilities fairly and seriously, countering concerns about potential bias. While Kagan's proposal has not garnered explicit support from her fellow justices, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has indicated openness to an enforceable ethics code, although she has not specified a particular method. The discussion around the enforcement of the ethics code reflects broader concerns about accountability and transparency within the Supreme Court, especially in light of recent controversies. The establishment of a panel could represent a significant step toward addressing ethical issues within the highest court, potentially restoring public trust. As the debate continues, the effectiveness of the current ethics code and the proposed enforcement measures will be closely scrutinized by lawmakers and the public alike.