Washington, D.C. — Today, President Joe Biden announced his proposals for reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court, including term limits, a strong code of ethics, and a constitutional amendment clearly stating that presidents and former presidents are not immune from federal criminal law. 

“The U.S. Supreme Court is charged with ensuring the promise of equal justice under law. From unethical behavior to a disturbing pattern of the far-right majority legislating from the bench to roll back rights and freedoms, the legitimacy of the highest Court has been undermined by a far-right movement that has elevated the voices of the country’s most extreme actors, misguided legal theories, and plans to roll back civil rights. While these actions have damaged the people’s faith in the Court, it can and must be restored,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “Democracy Forward is encouraged by the Biden-Harris administration’s proposals to reform the Court. This is an important first step in reaffirming the constitutional role the highest court in the land plays in serving as an independent check on executive and legislative actions.” 

“At a time when anti-democratic movements seek to gain more political power to dismantle our system of government and hurt the American people, the President’s proposal to reform the  Court is a welcome one.  It is imperative that the Court serve Americans to create a more democratic and just future—not one where our freedoms and fundamental rights are attacked,” Perryman added.

To speak with Perryman or another Democracy Forward representative about President Biden’s proposal, please email dgrahamcaso@democracyforward.org.

For more information about our work, please visit www.democracyforward.org.