Biden to Push for Constitutional Amendments to Overhaul Supreme Court and Presidential Immunity
President Joe Biden is set to propose significant changes to the U.S. Constitution next week, aiming to overhaul the Supreme Court and address recent controversial rulings, including the one granting substantial immunity to former presidents. This move marks a dramatic shift in Biden’s stance and underscores his commitment to Supreme Court reform as a key priority during his final months in office.
Biden’s Push for Supreme Court Reform
In a bold political move, President Biden plans to introduce several constitutional amendments on Monday to reform the Supreme Court. This follows his recent announcement that he will not seek re-election, signalling a focus on legacy issues such as judicial reform. Here’s what you need to know about his proposed changes:
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Term Limits for Justices: Biden is expected to advocate for term limits for Supreme Court justices. This would necessitate a constitutional amendment, aiming to prevent justices from serving lifetime terms, which many believe contributes to political and judicial stagnation.
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Code of Ethics: Alongside term limits, Biden supports establishing an enforceable code of ethics for the Court. This could be implemented through legislation rather than an amendment, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability.
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Presidential Immunity: Another key proposal is to amend the Constitution to limit the immunity granted to presidents and certain high officeholders. This follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that significantly expanded presidential immunity, particularly in cases involving “official acts” during their time in office.
The Context of Biden’s Reform Efforts
Biden’s push for Supreme Court reform comes against a backdrop of growing frustration with the Court’s recent decisions:
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Supreme Court Ruling on Immunity: The Court’s July decision, which stemmed from a case involving former President Donald Trump, ruled that presidents have substantial protection from prosecution for official acts. Biden and many Democrats argue that this undermines the rule of law and accountability.
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Historical Difficulties in Amending the Constitution: Amending the U.S. Constitution is a challenging process. Proposed amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate and then ratified by three-fourths of the states. This high bar makes successful constitutional amendments rare and difficult to achieve.
Biden’s Vision for a Reformed Supreme Court
In his public statements, Biden has highlighted the need for reform to ensure the Supreme Court serves the interests of justice and democracy:
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Focus on Fairness and Integrity: Biden argues that the current Supreme Court’s recent rulings have eroded important legal principles and that reform is essential to restore trust and fairness in the judicial system.
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Impact on Democracy: By proposing these changes, Biden aims to address concerns about judicial overreach and ensure that the Supreme Court operates with greater transparency and accountability.
Biden’s Other Priorities
While Supreme Court reform is a significant focus, Biden has reiterated his commitment to other key issues:
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Economic and Social Issues: Biden emphasised his ongoing efforts to lower costs for families, grow the economy, and protect civil rights and personal freedoms.
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Climate Change and Public Safety: Biden continues to advocate for measures to combat climate change, reduce gun violence, and support his “cancer moonshot” initiative aimed at ending cancer.
The Political Landscape and Future Implications
Biden’s reform proposals are likely to stir significant debate and opposition, especially given the complexity of amending the Constitution:
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Political Reactions: Reactions from Congress and various political factions will be critical. Support or resistance to these proposals could shape the legislative landscape in the coming months.
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Legacy and Impact: As Biden approaches the end of his term, his efforts to reform the Supreme Court could become a defining aspect of his presidency. The success or failure of these proposals will significantly impact his legacy and the future of U.S. judicial and constitutional governance.
Conclusion
President Biden’s upcoming proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution represents a bold effort to reform the Supreme Court and address recent controversial rulings. By advocating for term limits and an enforceable code of ethics for justices, as well as limiting presidential immunity, Biden aims to ensure greater accountability and fairness in the judicial system. As he tackles these challenges, Biden’s legacy will be shaped by the success or failure of these significant reforms.
Photo credit: Al Jazeera
