Democratic Representatives Jamie Raskin and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have raised concerns about the handling of ethics scandals within the Supreme Court. In a letter addressed to Chief Justice John Roberts, the duo posed five written questions regarding the steps taken to investigate mounting ethics issues involving Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
The letter highlights the tension between the high court, where conservatives hold a majority, and Democrats in Congress who have been advocating for stricter ethics rules. Recent ethics controversies involving Thomas and Alito have contributed to a decline in public trust in the court.
Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez criticized Roberts for not being proactive in addressing Thomas's failure to disclose gifts and trips on financial forms. The lawmakers pointed out that investigative journalists and Senate investigators, rather than the Judicial Conference, have been uncovering these lapses.
Roberts previously declined a meeting with Senate Democrats, citing concerns about preserving judicial independence. Despite the court's announcement of a new code of conduct in 2023, questions remain about its enforcement and effectiveness in upholding ethical standards.
The letter from Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez seeks a response from Roberts by July 5, pressing for clarity on recusal decisions in cases involving the 2020 election and the Capitol riot. Alito and Thomas have faced scrutiny for their ties to controversial events and individuals related to these cases.
The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on significant cases linked to the 2020 election and the Capitol attack, including Trump's immunity claims and legal challenges from January 6 rioters. The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of presidential powers and accountability for acts of political violence.
