Geek Speak: Ethics And the Supreme Court

Geek Speak: Ethics And the Supreme Court

Hosted by Craig Christensen

We have seen much in the media involving the Supreme Court Justices and gifts, trips, speaking fees, book sales etc. Does the Supreme Court need an enforceable ethics code? Should it be the Code of Conduct for United States Judges which binds all federal judges excluding the Supreme Court Justices. Should it be the voluntary Code of Conduct for Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States currently in force? Should the Code be independently enforced? Can it be?

Everyone wants an impartial judge for their case. But what does that mean. If a judge is prone to maximum sentences are they still impartial? What if they strongly favor the 4th Amendment. Does adhering to a particular judicial philosophy affect impartiality? If their spouse has strong political views can they still be impartial? Can a judge register for a political party and vote in a primary?

We will discuss these and what makes the Supreme Court different from every other court. How much control can a different branch of government exert over the Supreme Court? Can Congress force an ethics code on the Court? Can Congress change the number of Justices? Can Congress impose term limits? Should the Court be responsive to Congressional or public opinion?

Location: Jonas Academic 110