Intriguing Supreme Court Reforms Proposed by Kamala Harris Unveiled

Vice President Kamala Harris unveils ambitious Supreme Court reform proposals, sparking debate over the future of America’s highest judicial body.

At a Glance

Harris supports expanding the number of Supreme Court justices
Proposal includes implementing term limits for justices
Plan aims to enforce stricter ethics rules for the Court
Reform package faces significant political challenges

Harris Advocates for Comprehensive Court Reform

Vice President Kamala Harris has put forward a series of proposals aimed at reforming the Supreme Court, reflecting a growing concern among Democrats about the Court’s current composition and recent rulings. Harris’s platform includes expanding the number of justices, implementing term limits, and enforcing stricter ethics rules for the nation’s highest court.

The Vice President’s reform agenda comes in response to what many Democrats perceive as a rightward shift in the Court’s decisions following the appointment of three justices during the Trump administration. Harris has taken a more forceful tone than President Biden in criticizing recent Court rulings, describing the current bench as “an activist court” that threatens long-established rights and freedoms.

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

Expanding the Bench and Imposing Term Limits

One of the most controversial aspects of Harris’s reform package is the proposal to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court. This idea, often referred to as “court-packing,” has gained traction among progressive Democrats but faces strong opposition from Republicans and some moderate Democrats.

“I have great respect for our institutions and the separation of powers,” Harris stated, while also emphasizing the need for change. “This court has shown itself to be an activist court.”

In addition to expanding the court, Harris supports legislation that would “regularize” Supreme Court appointments. Under this proposal, the president would appoint a new justice every two years, with newly-appointed justices serving 18-year terms in appellate jurisdiction cases before moving to “original jurisdiction” cases.

Enforcing Ethics Rules and Accountability

Another key component of Harris’s reform agenda is the implementation of stricter ethics rules for Supreme Court justices. The Vice President has called for “requiring Justices to comply with ethics rules that other federal judges are bound by and imposing term limits.”

This push for greater accountability comes in the wake of controversies surrounding some justices’ potential conflicts of interest and undisclosed gifts. Harris argues that these measures are necessary to restore public trust in the Court and ensure its impartiality.

Political Challenges and Opposition

While Harris’s proposals have energized the Democratic base, they face significant political hurdles. Republicans strongly oppose any attempts to alter the structure or composition of the Supreme Court, viewing such efforts as a partisan power grab.

Even within the Democratic Party, there is disagreement over the extent and nature of Court reform. Some moderate Democrats worry that drastic changes could undermine the Court’s legitimacy and lead to further politicization of the judiciary.

The implementation of these reforms would likely require Democrats to gain control of both the House and Senate, as well as potentially eliminating the filibuster in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated a willingness to consider such a move if Democrats secure a majority in both chambers of Congress.

Implications for the 2024 Election

Harris’s strong stance on Supreme Court reform is likely to be a significant issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. It reflects a broader Democratic strategy to energize voters around judicial issues, particularly in the wake of controversial Court decisions on abortion rights, gun control, and other hot-button topics.

As the election approaches, Harris’s reform proposals will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny and debate. Supporters argue that these changes are necessary to restore balance to the Court and protect fundamental rights, while critics warn of the dangers of politicizing the judiciary and undermining its independence.

The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Supreme Court and the American legal system as a whole. As voters head to the polls, they will be weighing not just the candidates, but also their vision for the future of one of the nation’s most important institutions.