Supreme Court Faces Ethics Questions Over Undisclosed Gifts and Non-Recusals

Supreme Court facing calls to adopt an ethics code following reports a Republican donor gave undisclosed gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas
All nine justices signed a statement promising to explain non-participation in cases but two justices did not disclose reasons for bowing out of appeals
Justice Elena Kagan cited previous job preventing her from hearing an appeal; Justice Samuel Alito likely avoided an energy appeal due to stock ownership
Criticism stems from revelations a Dallas billionaire provided undisclosed gifts and travel to Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife
The high court's ethics are under scrutiny as some demand more disclosure and question close ties between justices and partisan donors