Are New Ethics Rules Needed as Gorsuch, Roberts & Thomas Face Questions over Finances?

Three conservative Supreme Court justices are now embroiled in a growing ethics scandal about their personal and financial connections. Recent reporting has revealed that Justice Neil Gorsuch sold property he co-owned to the head of a major law firm that has since had many cases before the court, Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose lavish gifts and payments from billionaire and conservative activist Harlan Crow, and the wife of Chief Justice John Roberts was paid over $10 million in commissions as a job recruiter placing lawyers at elite law firms. Legal experts and lawmakers are increasingly pushing for ethics reform on the high court, with the Senate Judiciary Committee holding a hearing on the issue on Tuesday. “Because they don’t have an ethics code, you don’t know whether they’re doing things in an above-board way,” says Vox senior correspondent Ian Millhiser. He also discusses growing frustration that California Senator Dianne Feinstein has not resigned her seat amid a prolonged absence from the Senate due to illness, which is stopping Democrats from confirming federal judges.

[MrChuck]

A court without a statement of ethical standards and enforcement cannot be presumed to be ethical and impartial.

[anthonymcneill]

The actions and activities of some justices begs the question is why everyday Americans should obey the law, when those at the top don't obey it, feeling they are above it. They are human and not above reproach or blame. A system of processes and procedures must be developed to ensure the credibility of the court is not further eroded by these few. And to the extent practical, hold them accountable.

[janiekcarney]

To refuse to establish an ethics code is the biggest crime of all.

[frdml]

So the US has 9 people, just 9 people, who have the ultimate authority to decide over national (legal) issues.
But they can NOT be held accountable in any way.
Very strange.

[BAROMETERONE]

Blatant criminal behavior by those that are supposed to represent and uphold our values at the most fundamental levels. Put them in jail and let's begin to restore confidence and integrity back to our institutions.

[kristoffaninkama]

Not only ebact new ethics for these thieves sitting on the highest court of the land, but also IMPEACH these three and remove them from office.

[wildyam]

I would be shocked if they were actually held accountable and removed.

[OkiChick]

Scalia died while at a "quid pro quo" arrangement resort. This is nothing new. We need ethics laws for the Supreme court and annual comprehensive audits to go with that.

[ninadaly]

The absolute arrogance of these justices is astounding! They have brought this on themselves and it is well deserved. Their behavior is outrageous!! Now they want us to trust them policing themselves?? It is their own completely unethical behavior that has by now convinced the majority of Americans that they do not have the character or integrity to police themselves.

[kevinchristensen]

The SCOTUS currently _does_ have a defense for appearances of corruption and impropriety it's, "What are you gonna do about it?" It seems to be working for them, so why would they change it?

[icecreamforcrowhurst]

Clarence Thomas would sooner self-immolate than resign his seat.

[TheWaterman]

I can't even imagine allowing a group with so much power, not to have an oversite or governing component. America is so broken

[zedwolf]

Its time to reform the entire Supreme Court, the rules should be the same for congress. If they take contributions from a company then that congressman should remove themselves from any legislation or they shouldn't be able to make laws about a corporation they have stocks and bonds with.

[akeleven]

The media has utterly failed to fully disclose what Crow did for Thomas's mother. He bought the surrounding property, remodeled her house, threw out the noisy neighbors, & installed a policeman! And a coffee shop! In other words he upgraded the whole neighborhood. So it's worth a lot more than $130, 000 that he paid for Thomas's property.

[brendasmurdoch]

Cruz having the gall to talk about trips.?!?

[DETROIT]

The United States Supreme Court Needs A Major Revampment.

[lezzulee]

Term limits and AGE limits for congress and supreme court

[Rhythmicons]

They also have to make sure there are mandatory recusals when there is a conflict of interest.

[rogerhull]

Investigate, prosecute if appropriate, impeach if appropriate and set strict laws against such grift and corruption. Do not let these liars and grifters further undermine this country’s courts.

[smmrbrze]

Of course we need new ethic rules... this is Americka.
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