President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have unveiled a series of significant proposals aimed at reforming the Supreme Court and limiting presidential immunity. These reforms include the implementation of term limits for Supreme Court justices and the establishment of a code of conduct for the nation’s highest court. Additionally, the proposed changes seek to curtail the immunity that a president enjoys, ensuring accountability for actions taken while in office.
The announcement was made by a White House official who indicated that President Biden would elaborate on these proposals during his remarks at the LBJ Presidential Library. This speech coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, underscoring the administration’s commitment to justice and institutional integrity. In an op-ed published earlier the same day, Biden detailed his motivations and the urgency behind these proposed reforms.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Biden highlighted his unique perspective on the judiciary. “I served as a U.S. senator for 36 years, including as chairman and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee. I have overseen more Supreme Court nominations as senator, vice president, and president than anyone living today,” Biden wrote in his op-ed. He expressed deep respect for the nation’s institutions and the principle of separation of powers but emphasized that the current state of the Supreme Court is eroding public trust.
Biden’s proposal to impose an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices is designed to ensure regular turnover and reduce the politicization of the Court. Under this system, presidents would have the opportunity to appoint new justices every two years. This regular cycle aims to prevent the accumulation of power by long-serving justices and to keep the Court more closely aligned with contemporary values and perspectives.
The proposed code of conduct for the Supreme Court is another cornerstone of Biden’s reform package. This code would require justices to disclose gifts, abstain from political activities, and recuse themselves from cases where they have financial or personal conflicts of interest. The goal is to enhance transparency and accountability, thereby restoring public confidence in the Court’s impartiality.
Vice President Harris, who is currently seeking run for president, has also voiced strong support for these reforms. She highlighted the ethical challenges and controversial decisions that have plagued the Court in recent years, arguing that these issues have significantly undermined public trust. “Today, there is a clear crisis of confidence facing the Supreme Court as its fairness has been called into question after numerous ethics scandals and decision after decision overturning long-standing precedent,” Harris said.
In addition to judicial reforms, Biden is advocating for limits on presidential immunity. The proposed changes would eliminate protections that currently shield former presidents from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law.
The proposed reforms represent Biden’s first major policy initiative since he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Harris as his successor. These initiatives reflect a broader effort by the Biden administration to address perceived abuses of power and to strengthen the democratic institutions that underpin the United States.
The path to enacting these reforms is expected to be challenging. Imposing term limits on Supreme Court justices would likely require a constitutional amendment, necessitating broad bipartisan support in Congress and ratification by the states. Similarly, changes to presidential immunity would require significant legislative action and could face considerable opposition.
Nevertheless, Biden and Harris are committed to working with Congress and engaging the American public in this effort to restore faith in the nation’s highest institutions. “President Biden and Vice President Harris look forward to working with Congress and empowering the American people to prevent the abuse of presidential power, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and strengthen the guardrails of democracy,” the White House official said.
