Dear John,

The highest court in the land operates with the lowest of ethical standards.

Having already gifted Donald Trump with presidential immunity that is nowhere to be found in the Constitution, the Supreme Court has, in essence, maintained for themselves their own version of immunity by refusing to adopt a mandatory code of conduct.

In response to the public outcry last year, the Court finally developed a Code of Conduct for itself, but they left it optional for each Justice to self-regulate their own actions, with no other means of enforcement. What could possibly go wrong?

Regarding gifts, this optional Code of Conduct states, “A Justice should comply with the restrictions on acceptance of gifts and the prohibition on solicitation of gifts set forth in the Judicial Conference Regulations on Gifts now in effect” [emphasis added]. Note the absence of any compelling language, such as “must comply.”

These regulations state that prohibited gifts exclude “modest items, such as food and refreshments, offered as a matter of social hospitality.” Presumably, such “modest” food and refreshments would not include luxury, all-expense-paid vacations by yacht or private jet, such as Justice Clarence Thomas has received. Supreme Court justices are merely encouraged that they “should” follow these guidelines.

Now, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin seek to fill these glaring loopholes in the judicial standards with their High Court Gift Ban Act. This important legislation will prohibit justices from receiving gifts worth over $50 each, or over $100 total, per year.

Tell Congress to help restore public trust in the ethical standards of the United States Supreme Court. Support and pass the High Court Gift Ban Act now!

Gifts bring influence. Smaller gifts bring influence, too, of course, and this is why they should be reported: cowboy boots for Neil Gorsuch, opera tickets for John Roberts, fine art for Sonia Sotomayor, rifles for Antonin Scalia.

But the biggest gifts bring the biggest corruption. The proposed legislation would bring the requirements for the Supreme Court into line with those of the lower courts, closing loopholes that currently allow for acceptance of significant gifts, and clarifying exactly what gifts must be reported.

Current practices enable the Supreme Court to engage in brazenly corrupt practices, further delegitimizing the rule of law. Enacting clear, common-sense standards is essential in order to have a judicial system worthy of the public’s trust.

Hold the Court responsible! Sign on today to support the High Court Gift Ban Act!

Thank you for demanding our Supreme Court justices are answerable to higher ethical standards.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action