Supreme Court's First-Ever Ethics Code Draws Criticism for Lack of Enforcement Mechanism

Despite mounting public pressure, the new code fails to explicitly restrict activities such as undisclosed gifts and travel, and provides vague guidelines on recusals in potential conflicts of interest.

• The Supreme Court has released its first-ever ethics code in response to mounting criticism and public pressure, particularly following reports of undisclosed financial relationships involving Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito with wealthy conservative benefactors.
• The new code, signed by all nine justices, outlines 'rules and principles' for their conduct but does not include an enforcement mechanism, leading critics to question its effectiveness.
• Democrats and judicial watchdog groups have criticized the code for its lack of enforcement mechanisms, with some advocating for the creation of an Article III inspector general to monitor compliance.
• The code does not explicitly restrict activities such as undisclosed gifts and travel, which have been the focus of recent scrutiny. It also provides vague guidelines on recusals in the event of potential conflicts of interest.
• The Supreme Court's decision to adopt a formal code of conduct is seen as an acknowledgment of public dissatisfaction, but critics argue that without enforcement, it does little to change the justices' behavior.

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