Require Supreme Court Justices to comply with the same ethical standards as all other federal judges
Unlike lower federal court judges, Supreme Court justices are not bound by the Code of Conduct for United States Judges. Recent reports have revealed that some justices accepted gifts, travel, and other benefits from wealthy individuals with interests before the Court. A proposal would require Supreme Court justices to follow the same ethics rules as other federal judges.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
It is a basic principle of justice that judges should be impartial. When justices accept lavish gifts and travel from wealthy individuals who have interests before the Court, it creates at minimum the appearance of bias. Requiring the same ethics standards as other federal judges is a minimal and reasonable requirement.
Con Argument
The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government. Congress imposing ethics rules on justices raises serious separation of powers concerns.
Source document: Stock-Trading-Questionnaire-National-Swing-Six.docx.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 85% | 87% | 86% | 1% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Deliberative Democracy Lab | 2023 | 88% | 87% | 95% | 8% | favor |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Do you favor or oppose Supreme Court Justices being required to comply with the same ethical standards that apply to other federal judges?
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