OPINION| In a stunning move that has left many conservatives scratching their heads, President Joe Biden is reportedly set to announce his support for sweeping changes to the Supreme Court. The proposed changes include term limits for justices, an enforceable ethics code, and the elimination of broad immunity for presidents.
While some may see these proposals as a much-needed reform of the nation’s highest court, many conservatives are raising the alarm about the potential dangers of such a power grab by the Biden administration.
One of the most controversial aspects of Biden’s plan is the elimination of broad immunity for presidents. This would mean that a sitting president could be subject to criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. While this may sound like a good idea in theory, many conservatives are concerned that it could lead to politically motivated prosecutions and a dangerous erosion of the separation of powers.
The Washington Post reported:
‘President Biden is finalizing plans to endorse major changes to the Supreme Court in the coming weeks, including proposals for legislation to establish term limits for the justices and an enforceable ethics code, according to two people briefed on the plans.
He is also weighing whether to call for a constitutional amendment to eliminate broad immunity for presidents and other constitutional officeholders, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.
The announcement would mark a major shift for Biden, a former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who has long resisted calls to reform the high court. The potential changes come in response to growing outrage among his supporters about recent ethics scandals surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas and decisions by the new court majority that have changed legal precedent on issues including abortion and federal regulatory powers.
Biden previewed the shift in a Zoom call Saturday with the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
“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. … I’ve been working with constitutional scholars for the last three months, and I need some help,” Biden said, according to a transcript of the call obtained by The Washington Post.’
Another concern is the proposed term limits for Supreme Court justices. While the idea of term limits may seem appealing to some, conservatives worry that it could lead to a politicization of the court and a loss of judicial independence. The current system of lifetime appointments is designed to insulate justices from political pressure and allow them to make decisions based on the law, rather than popular opinion.
The proposed enforceable ethics code is also raising eyebrows among conservatives. While the idea of holding justices to a higher ethical standard may seem reasonable, many are concerned that it could be used as a weapon to target conservative justices and undermine the legitimacy of the court.
Overall, Biden’s proposed changes to the Supreme Court are a risky power grab that could have far-reaching consequences for the future of our country. Conservatives must remain vigilant and fight back against these dangerous proposals before it’s too late.
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