John, it’s Virginia here – I’m the chief ethics counsel at CREW.

This week, CREW President Noah Bookbinder was on CNN, saying Thomas’s failure to report his real estate sale to GOP megadonor Harlan Crow was “kind of pathetic” – I couldn’t agree more. Not only that, but his mother continues to live in the house rent free.

That’s why I spoke with NPR yesterday to talk about Clarence Thomas’s misconduct and the need for judicial ethics reform.

Clarence Thomas serves on our nation's highest court. And the fact that he was accepting – repeatedly – private plane trips, yacht cruises and luxury resort vacations without disclosing them indicates he violated the Ethics in Government Act.

Not only does he appear to have violated the law, but by accepting these gifts, the Justice has completely undermined the public's trust in the ability of the court to faithfully and impartially discharge their obligations, and to apply equal justice under law.

On lower courts, federal judges are subject to a misconduct review that would be carried out through a very detailed process. However, there's no similar type of accountability at this time for any member of the Supreme Court.

We must push for the Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct that would establish a framework for addressing and investigating misconduct. We must make sure that justices like Clarence Thomas who may have violated the law are investigated and held to account.

If you agree, please co-sign our petition today →

With Clarence Thomas’s horrifying scandals, there’s a bigger spotlight and more momentum than ever on the need for these reforms. Thank you for being part of the grassroots movement for a more ethical judiciary,

Virginia Canter
Chief Ethics Counsel
CREW