Judicial Reform In The Supreme Court

Judicial Reform in the United States Supreme Court

Introduction:

Being well known as the “least accountable branch of the government”, it is more than apparent that the time for reform has come in the Supreme Court. While once withholding great reputations, with issues concerning Justices few and far between, it has been noted in previous years that allegations associated with Supreme Court Justices have been more common. The answer for the increasing problematics is simple: the Justices have grown comfortable. Therefore, it is crucial for the good of the nation that our Justices understand that they too are held accountable by the same laws laid out in the United States Constitution that adhere to the very people they are trusted in governing.

Once confirmed, the Justices serve for life, only leaving upon death resignation (like late Justice Antonin Scalia), retirement, or are impeached for misconduct. Upon setting no term limit for Justices, our Founding Fathers had no way of knowing that the average life expectancy in the future would more than double from forty years to over eighty years. Their intended goal was to make these justices a constant through political times. Meaning, they wanted to make them immune to the political cycles undergone through the course of a few years. For example, senators serve for a mere six years, representatives just two, and the president only four years (possible eight), all falling privy to whatever political symphony (or ruckus) is playing out at that

This would solve a number of issues such as the “conveniently timed” retirement of Justices allowing the President the power to push the Supreme Court to the majority of one party or another, extreme partisanship, and the pursuing of own political agendas instead of holding the good of the American people paramount. And, of course, being too comfortable. Eighteen years is still more than enough time to serve in the least accountable sector of government, and would better limit the power of the Judicial Branch. Also, this shortened term limit would introduce more frequent opportunities for both major political parties to have nominees in the Supreme Court and would hold the Justices to be more responsive to the will of the People. Therefore, all new Supreme Court nominees henceforth should pledge to serve, under oath, for only eighteen