In a significant move, President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing to back changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, including the introduction of term limits for justices and the establishment of an enforceable ethics code. According to sources briefed on the plans, Biden is also considering a constitutional amendment to eliminate immunity for presidents and other officeholders.
These proposals follow the Supreme Court’s recent decision granting immunity to former President Donald Trump for official acts. Biden’s plans, as reported by the Washington Post, reflect his concern that this ruling undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.
During a recent Zoom call with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Biden discussed his upcoming initiatives. “I’m going to need your help on the Supreme Court because I’m about to come out — I don’t want to prematurely announce it — but I’m about to come out with a major initiative on limiting the court,” he said. Biden mentioned that he has been working with constitutional scholars for the past three months to develop these reforms.
The U.S. Constitution, under Article III, states that justices “shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour,” effectively granting them lifetime appointments unless they are impeached. Any change to this would require a constitutional amendment, a challenging process that involves significant legislative support.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s immunity, Biden addressed the nation, stating, “No one is above the law, not even the President of the United States. With today’s Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, that fundamentally changed.” He criticized the decision as part of a broader attack on established legal principles.
Biden’s proposal to reform the Supreme Court also comes amid calls from within his party for him to step aside in the 2024 presidential race following a lackluster debate performance. Despite this, Biden appears committed to pursuing these judicial reforms, viewing them as essential to maintaining the integrity of the U.S. legal system.
