California 2021-2022 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AJR11

Caption

Supreme Court of the United States: Keep Nine Amendment

Impact

The resolution seeks to prohibit any changes to the number of justices on the Supreme Court, which proponents argue is essential for upholding judicial independence. If adopted, the proposed amendment would amend the Constitution, thereby solidifying the number of justices and preventing future attempts by Congress or the President to alter it. This measure reflects a broader movement to protect the integrity of the judicial branch from perceived political influences and ensure it operates free from partisan interference.

Summary

AJR11, introduced by Assembly Member Lackey, is a resolution urging the United States Congress to propose the Keep Nine Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment asserts that the Supreme Court of the United States should consist of nine justices. The resolution emphasizes that maintaining an independent judiciary is crucial for the system of checks and balances that safeguards constitutional rights. Notably, the Supreme Court has had nine justices for over 150 years, and this historical precedent underlines the call for stability in the court's composition.

Contention

Discussions surrounding AJR11 likely bring to light differing views on judicial reform. Supporters argue that the resolution is a critical step toward protecting institutional integrity and the rule of law. However, opponents may express concerns regarding the intent behind preserving the number of justices, suggesting that it could prevent necessary reforms or adjustments to adapt to contemporary judicial needs. The contention lies in balancing the historical configuration of the Supreme Court with the evolving landscape of the American judicial system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US SB2773

Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act

US SB1879

Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act

CA SCR161

The First Continental Congress.

NJ AR154

Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.

DC B25-0825

Removal of the Highway Plan and Building Restriction Line from Lot 9 in Square 5914 along the West Side of Congress Street, S.E., S.O. 22-01642, Act of 2024

CA AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

TX SJR1

Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.

US HB224

Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.