Staff Reports
The Senate Judiciary Committee had requested that Chief Justice John Roberts or a delegate attend a meeting to address concerns about the Supreme Court’s ethics, which were raised in a letter submitted by Chairman Dick Durbin in April. This request was made in the aftermath of a controversial report from ProPublica regarding Justice Clarence Thomas’ financial disclosures.
Chief Justice John Roberts Formally Declines Dick Durbin's Request https://t.co/nT2cDn5d4x
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 26, 2023
However, the Chief Justice has declined the invitation in a letter, stating that it is uncommon for him to testify in such situations due to the separation of powers and the importance of maintaining the judiciary’s independence. In addition, Roberts included a statement of ethics that the Supreme Court currently follows to emphasize the separation of powers.
Breaking: #SCOTUS Chief Justice Roberts declines Senator Durbin’s invitation to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee pic.twitter.com/xHQ7CInuwq
— Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) April 25, 2023
B) Durbin: I am surprised that the Chief Justice’s recounting of existing legal standards of ethics suggests current law is adequate and ignores the obvious. The actions of one Justice, including trips on yachts and private jets, were not reported to the public.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 25, 2023
D) Durbin: It is time for Congress to accept its responsibility to establish an enforceable code of ethics for the Supreme Court, the only agency of our government without it.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 25, 2023
It is likely that Dick Durbin and other Senate Judiciary Democrats will persist with their efforts to establish an ethics code for the Supreme Court. Sheldon Whitehouse, who is known for his criticism of the Court and is a member of the committee, may play a role in these efforts.
Previously, Durbin had stated that issuing a subpoena was not being considered. However, Senator Ben Cardin, who replaced Senator Dianne Feinstein on the committee after Republican opposition, was dispatched by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
This move has generated various responses, and the terms “Chief Justice Roberts” and “John Roberts” are currently popular on Twitter, which is not surprising given Democrats’ past reactions to the Supreme Court.
