Hawaii Senate Bill SR97

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

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

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 code of ethics for Supreme Court Justices could significantly affect state laws and judicial proceedings, promoting standardized ethical behavior that aligns with public expectation. Such a code would likely enhance accountability among the Justices, encouraging them to disclose conflicts of interest and adhere to established principles that govern judicial conduct. This change could also lead to increased scrutiny and potentially reshape the way judicial decisions are perceived by the public, fostering greater trust in judicial outcomes.

Summary

Senate Resolution 97 aims to address the ethical conduct of Justices on the Supreme Court of the United States. It strongly urges the Supreme Court to adopt a formal code of ethics similar to those that govern lower federal judges. The resolution recognizes the importance of transparency and the need for clear ethical guidelines to maintain public trust in the judicial system. The resolution highlights that, unlike other federal judges, the Supreme Court Justices are not currently bound by any formal code of ethics, which raises concerns about accountability and integrity within the highest court of the land.

Contention

While the resolution presents a clear call for ethical reform, it may also face contention from those who argue that creating a binding ethics code for the Supreme Court could infringe on judicial independence or alter the fundamental structure of the judiciary. Critics may question the effectiveness of such measures, citing concerns about who would enforce these standards and the potential for politicization of moral and ethical standards. The balance between maintaining judicial autonomy and providing a framework for accountability remains a significant point of discussion surrounding SR97.