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Jimmy Williams
In a rare public appearance, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed support for the idea of an “enforceable code” of ethics for the nation’s highest court. Speaking in an interview with CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell that aired on “CBS News Sunday Morning,” Justice Jackson backed the general concept of a binding code of ethics, a topic that has gained traction amid recent scrutiny of justices’ personal and financial dealings.
“A binding code of ethics is pretty standard for judges,” Jackson said. “The question is: Is the Supreme Court any different? I guess I have not seen a persuasive reason as to why the court is different.”
While she refrained from commenting on specific proposals, Jackson made clear that she sees no issue with implementing a formal ethical code for the court, a move that has been proposed by some lawmakers and ethics groups. “I am considering supporting it as a general matter,” Jackson noted. “I don’t have any problem with an enforceable code.”
Calls for greater accountability have intensified following revelations about trips and gifts accepted by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Critics have argued that the justices, who hold lifetime appointments and are currently not bound by a specific ethics code, should face the same ethical standards as other federal judges.
Justice Jackson’s remarks align with growing public sentiment for reform. In July, President Joe Biden proposed imposing term limits for Supreme Court justices and enforcing a code of ethics, further elevating the debate over judicial transparency.
Jackson emphasized the principle of impartiality as central to the discussion, explaining, “It really boils down to impartiality,” when asked about the necessity of such a code.
The conversation around ethics has taken on new urgency after years of controversial revelations and concerns over the perceived lack of accountability. In particular, attention has focused on Justice Clarence Thomas’ acceptance of lavish gifts and luxury travel funded by wealthy benefactors, raising questions about conflicts of interest and transparency. Justice Samuel Alito also faced criticism for not disclosing expensive trips funded by private interests.
Jackson, who joined the Supreme Court in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve, is known for her commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the justice system. During the CBS interview, she also addressed her dissent in a recent Supreme Court ruling that provided significant legal protections for former President Donald Trump.
The ruling, which established that presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts in certain circumstances, was a major legal victory for Trump. However, Jackson voiced concerns about the decision.
“I was concerned,” Jackson told O’Donnell, “about a system that appeared to provide immunity for one individual under one set of circumstances, when we have a criminal justice system that had ordinarily treated everyone the same.”
Jackson’s public remarks come as she promotes her upcoming memoir, Lovely One: A Memoir, scheduled for release on Tuesday. In the CBS interview, she appeared alongside her husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, who revealed his conviction that his wife was destined for the Supreme Court.
As Jackson continues her tenure on the bench, her support for an enforceable ethics code signals a potential shift in the court’s approach to transparency and accountability, in line with growing demands from the public and lawmakers alike.
