Justice Elena Kagan on Possible Code of Ethics

Justice Elena Kagan: "It just can't be that the Court is the only institution that somehow is not subject to any checks and balances from anybody else. I mean, we're not imperial...So, can Congress do various things to regulate the Supreme Court? I think the answer is yes."

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[SaberToothBicycle]

"Nine free-thinking individuals?" Really? Thomas's "thinking" isn't "free" --ask Crow how much it costs.

[socialanarchy]

They absolutely should adopt the federal judges code of ethics that is already in place.

[kesagatame]

I would lose my current employment if anyone with potential business links to me would pay for lavish entertainment, let alone buying my mother’s house and letting her live their rent free. What are these people thinking??

[THE-X-Force]

I don't know what the hell people are laughing about. These are the most serious questions of our time. Every single court in the USA has to .. is bound to BY LAW .. operate under a well-defined code of ethics. Except for one. The most important court in the land. A court with judges that, at least some of them, thinks they are a branch of government ABOVE Congressional oversight. In other words, literally above the law.

[jamesrowe]

I do believe that the Court should abide by high ethical standards but it's laughable that Congress is the body scrutinizing the court based on the unethical lapses of many of its leaders and members.

[lukelisa]

Nobody is above the law. Lead by example.

[felixtekat]

The bottom line is that we should look up to the top court of the land instead of being embarrassed that many are on the dole. If the consequences for these actions is just a slap on the wrist, then I wonder why any of us needs to consider the ethics of our actions.

[chrisester]

I think Justice Kagan's answer was pure waffle. She obviously seems to believe that the SCOTUS gets to decide for itself whether to adopt a code of conduct and/or ethics. Who else gets to make up their own rules?

[sherryberry]

The air of tip-toeing about on this matter is absurd. I'm taken aback by the Supreme Court justices speaking as they are kindly following rules, as if it's an option they would be subject to external review. As we are sorely learning now, no one is above the law, not even the Supreme Court justices. (Clarence Thomas like to be first case example to exercise these ideas!)

[FromDataMakeInfo]

Alito & Thomas should both be impeached and removed.

[davidormond]

While I can’t see myself agreeing with any of her judicial decisions, I can’t find any wrong with her answer.

[jintziejth]

I am so irritated. The Court has subjected itself to ethical rules? Like the robber barons did in the running of the railroads in the 19th century. Nor have they reported their unreported, opulent gifts to the IRS as income.

[andrewewels]

The checks and balances is a nice ideal, but atlas in reality there is little or no checks and balances on government, politicians and judges .
That why the federal government is out of control, violating civil rights left, right and centre !

[lilhawk]

Definitely should be a code of ethics that the SC adheres to - this shouldn’t be voluntary.

[realtalk]

She is answering from the perspective of a progressive on the court. What regulations on the court beyond the “good behavior “ clause of the constitution amounts to tools to control the ruling outcomes. Withholding funding would be for what purpose? To control. Changing the structure has what purpose? To change the political outcomes, FDR did this to get his way which is tyrannical or at least cutesy at the least. Interesting that congress would limit any legal outside activities of the courts when they themselves enrich themselves at every turn. That said, they should self regulate for appearances so the people have confidence in them. That however will not stop any criticisms that are designed to weaken the credibility of the courts regardless. Mainly by the politicians on the left.

[lukelisa]

I have always loved Elena Kagan and Sotomayer! My two favorite Justices! Hands down!

[seannecarrigan]

As long as congress doesn’t interfere with their justices primary job

They should have to recuse themselves from helping friends family and their businesses if they come before the court

[wreckitralph]

Lifetime appointments for people we don't vote for that have little to no rules...merica

[ajney]

Sorry i fell asleep, are they going to Get a Code of Ethics or not?

[dddebz]

I can’t wrap my brain around why SCOTUS is even exempt from Fed judiciary’s rules anyway.