Democracy Rules

Although most of our judges are beyond reproach, there still remain cases of judicial misconduct. Judicial misconduct occurs when a judge acts in a way that is unethical or violates the judge's obligations of impartiality. From 2008 to 2019, there were more than 5,000 cases in which judges resigned, retired or were publicly disciplined following accusations of misconduct. Unlike all other federal judges, Supreme Court Justices are not bound by a code of ethics. Most believe transparency and ethics are vital to the integrity of the judiciary and keeping the public’s trust in our courts – particularly as attacks on judicial independence and the rule of law have become more common. Critics say that, given the historic misdeeds of our judicial system, we must take steps to ensure that faith in our democracy and governmental institutions can only be strengthened by increased transparency and accountability from every branch of government.

Advocates claim that, for decades, it has been apparent the federal judiciary operates with too much secrecy and too little transparency, while endangering the public’s confidence in the impartiality of judges and justices. They say the Supreme Court needs to abide by a code of conduct, require every level of the judiciary to better account for conflicts of interest, and increase the public’s ability to access court records.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of S.4188 - Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2022
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

I oppose reforming current judicial ethics policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY).
I support increasing accountability and transparency of the federal courts by directing the Supreme Court to: 1.) Write an ethics code for itself. 2.) Modernize financial disclosures. 3.) Provide insight into recusal patterns by requiring that judges explain their recusal decision. 4.) Enhance public access to the judiciary by providing live audio streaming of court proceedings and increasing the public’s ability to access court records. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» No issues were voted

I support increasing accountability and transparency of the federal courts by directing the Supreme Court to: 1.) Write an ethics code for itself. 2.) Modernize financial disclosures. 3.) Provide insight into recusal patterns by requiring that judges explain their recusal decision. 4.) Enhance public access to the judiciary by providing live audio streaming of court proceedings and increasing the public’s ability to access court records. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.