Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Advocates for an Enforceable Ethics Code for the Supreme Court (2024)

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has officially endorsed the idea of an ethical framework with enforcement powers for the Supreme Court.

In a recent interview, Jackson voiced her support for stringent ethical norms for justices amid growing scrutiny over ethical standards at the court, Fox News reported.

During her inaugural interview since her appointment, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson shared candid thoughts on the necessity of a robust, enforceable ethics code for justices. This sentiment surfaces in light of continuing controversies surrounding the ethical conduct of several Supreme Court members.

The conversation around ethics in the highest court grew louder, especially after incidents involving justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito came to public attention. Thomas faced backlash for undisclosed gifts from a Republican benefactor, whereas Alito was critiqued over his post-January 6, 2021 actions.

Justice Jackson Emphasizes the Importance of Impartiality

Justice Jackson, who began her tenure at the court following her appointment by President Biden in 2022, underscored the importance of transparency and impartiality. "I follow the rules, whatever they are, concerning ethical obligations. And it's important in my view to do so. It boils down to impartiality. People are entitled to know if you're accepting gifts as a judge so that they can evaluate whether or not your opinions are impartial," she stated.

These comments from Jackson highlight a broader issue of public trust in the judiciary's decision-making process, fostering the call for an enforceable code that would hold justices to clear and consistent ethical standards.

Justice Jackson's disclosure practices, including reporting gifts like concert tickets and large advances for her memoir, contrast with the opaque disclosures from some of her colleagues. These actions reflect her commitment to transparency.

Jackson's Stance on a New Code of Conduct

In November 2023, the Supreme Court issued a new "Code of Conduct," a move in response to increased calls from Democratic lawmakers for tightened ethics rules. Jackson’s support for this measure aligns with her belief in similar standards applicable across all judicial platforms. "A binding code of ethics is pretty standard for judges. And so, I guess the question is, 'Is the Supreme Court any different?' And I guess I have not seen a persuasive reason as to why the court is different than the other courts," she elaborated.

Despite her clear stance towards a structured ethical framework, Jackson refrained from commenting on individual cases or the conduct of her fellow justices. She emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in judicial accountability.

Contextualizing the Supreme Court's Ethical Challenges

Justice Jackson also disclosed details from her dissenting opinion in a recent major decision involving presidential immunity, explaining her concerns over the selective immunity provided to positions of power.

I was concerned about a system that appeared to provide immunity for one individual under one set of circ*mstances when we have a criminal justice system that had ordinarily treated everyone the same.

This narrative further underscores the relevance of her advocacy for an enforceable code of ethics tailored to make justice not just blind, but also uniformly accountable.

To sum up, the fresh perspective brought by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court adds significant momentum toward reinforcing ethical governance within the judiciary. By supporting a stringent ethics code, Jackson not only advocates for the impartiality that her role demands but also reflects a broader trend of demanding higher accountability from those at the pinnacle of judicial power. Her viewpoints during her first comprehensive interview reveal a dedication to transparency and a promising direction for the future of the Supreme Court’s ethical standards.