Hawaii Senate Bill SCR110

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Engrossed: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/6/22

Caption

Strongly Urging The Supreme Court Of The United States To Adopt A Formal Ethics Code For The Justices.

Impact

The adoption of a formal ethics code by the Supreme Court could significantly change how justices handle potential conflicts of interests and external influences. While lower federal judges are bound by ethical codes established by the Judicial Conference, the Supreme Court justices currently operate without such formal mandates. This resolution reflects a growing call for accountability at the highest levels of the judiciary, influenced by concerns from legal scholars and the public about perceived biases and lack of transparency.

Summary

SCR110 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that strongly urges the Supreme Court of the United States to adopt a formal code of ethics for its justices. The resolution emphasizes the importance of having clear guidelines for conflicts of interest to enhance transparency and trust in the judicial system. It references a previous case, Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co., highlighting how ethical codes are vital for maintaining the integrity of the judiciary and upholding the rule of law.

Contention

The push for a formal code of ethics for Supreme Court justices has sparked debate regarding the independence of the judiciary. Supporters of SCR110 argue that having an enforced ethical code will bolster public confidence in the judiciary. Conversely, some opponents might argue that imposing such regulations could undermine the traditional autonomy that the justices have historically enjoyed. The implications of this resolution extend into broader discussions about judicial reform and the balance between judicial independence and accountability.