"While recent debates center on enacting an ethics code for the Supreme Court, the statutory honoraria ban has been in place for decades. No new ethical rules need to be promulgated, or codes enacted on this subject. It exists right now, as it has since 1989. But Thomas and Leo are doing an end run around it, accomplishing indirectly what the law prohibits them from doing directly. And no one is stopping them."
"…Thomas is saying, No, I may not take a fee for speaking at a dinner sponsored by the Koch bros; heaven forbid I violate the…honorarium ban! But of course: Nothing stops you, Koch bros, from lavishing me w/a trip to Palm Springs in a private plane, sumptuous accommodations, & fabulous meals,…there is nothing wrong w/conservative billionaires enabling Thomas to have a lifestyle far beyond what his judicial salary allows."
"…version of Congress we had 23 yrs ago might have gone ballistic in response to recent discoveries about Thomas. If…concerned about…judges getting money for honoraria…surely would’ve been…evading the honoraria ban w/luxury vacations. If…worried about rich benefactors paying judges for their speeches…would surely be…about rich benefactors providing judges w/private planes & high-end accommodations."
All enlightening. But what I still ask is: what is the mechanism by which these "justice's" legitimacy can be challenged?
By what means can a prosecutor walk into the Supreme Court, and petition that Thomas be recused on the basis of his wife participating in the crimes that are being prosecuted? (As an example, never mind the luxury vacations, etc.)
If we are forced to rely on their own judgement in these matters, it's already clear that we're fucked.
@MarkRDavid I world think a U.S. Attorney could file charges for violations of the law just as they can for non-scotus federal justices. Likely requires both the AG and a fair amount of public support to do that.
@davidaugust It's obvious that abuse by some Justices go above, beyond, and around the law. Impeachment should be on the table for rogue justices. And it shouldn't take a majority to enact it, but a motion and a vote.
@JKirkpatrick it does seem the U.S. Congress is negligent in not taking action to directly and decisively address the abuses of power and position of sitting scotus justices. And the entire country and its Constitution are diminished by that.
Add comment