‘An ethical crisis of its own making’: Democrats blast Supreme Court ethics

Sat Dec 21 23:23:18 UTC 2024: ## Senate Democrats Accuse Supreme Court Justices of Ethical Lapses in Scathing New Report

**Washington D.C.** – A bombshell 93-page report released Saturday by Senate Democrats alleges widespread ethical breaches among Supreme Court justices, reigniting a national debate over the court’s integrity. The report, the culmination of a 20-month investigation led by outgoing Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, details instances of lavish gifts and undisclosed travel accepted by several justices, building upon previous reporting by ProPublica.

While the report names multiple justices, it reserves its harshest criticism for Justice Clarence Thomas, highlighting numerous undisclosed trips funded by Republican donor Harlan Crow, including two newly revealed trips to New York in 2021. The report states that the “number, value, and extravagance of the gifts accepted by Justice Thomas have no comparison in modern American history.” Justice Thomas has yet to publicly respond to these allegations.

The report also criticizes Justice Sonia Sotomayor for initially failing to disclose travel and lodging related to a book tour. Additionally, it accuses Justice Thomas of violating federal law by failing to recuse himself from cases where his wife, Ginni Thomas, had a vested interest.

Democrats sharply criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for his perceived inaction, claiming his unwillingness to implement a truly enforceable code of ethics constitutes a failure to address “an ethical crisis of its own making.” While the Supreme Court adopted a code of ethics in November 2023, it lacks enforcement mechanisms, a point heavily criticized in the report.

This report comes amidst plummeting public trust in the judiciary. Gallup polling reveals confidence in the US judicial system has reached a record low, significantly below the OECD average. The Democrats’ report is expected to further erode public confidence.

Republicans have dismissed the report, with Senator Lindsey Graham previously questioning the constitutionality of a bill aimed at creating an enforcement mechanism for Supreme Court ethics violations. With Republicans set to control both chambers of Congress in January, the prospects for legislative action on this issue remain uncertain. The report is likely to intensify the ongoing partisan battle over the Supreme Court’s legitimacy and transparency.