Trustee Elections
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  • COURTROOM TV
  • SCOTUS TERM LIMITS
  • JUDICIAL ETHICS
Winning Issue » JUDICIAL ETHICS


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: H.R.6017 - Twenty-First Century Courts Act (116th Congress)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA)



Options


  • I oppose reforming current Supreme Court ethics policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA).
  • 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 Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.


Winning Option
  • 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 Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
There has been $0.00 pledged in support of this issue
Trustee Candidates

If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider reintroducing H.R.6017 - Twenty-First Century Courts Act (116th Congress).

If elected as a trustee, Fix the Court will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to work and advocate for a code of ethics for the Supreme Court.

About: Fix the Court is a national, nonpartisan organization that advocates for non-ideological “fixes” that would make the federal courts, and primarily the U.S. Supreme Court, more open and more accountable to the American people. Since its founding in 2014, Fix the Court has joined forces with individuals and organizations across the country and across the political spectrum. We’ve co-hosted events with the conservative Federalist Society and the liberal American Constitution Society at two dozen law schools, and we’ve hired advisers with varied backgrounds, including a former chief of staff to the House Republican Whip and a former regional organizer for the Obama campaign. Each week, we work with Republicans and Democrats to advance policies that will open up the federal judiciary.
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Trustee Election - Opening Date
September 19, 2022
Trustee Election - Closing Date
September 26, 2022