Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR103

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SR103 serves primarily as a formal declaration reflecting the opinion of the Hawaii legislature rather than creating enforceable law. The resolution argues that adopting an ethical framework similar to the existing Code of Conduct for United States Judges would promote confidence in the judicial system and ensure that justices are held to a standard of conduct that parallels other federal judges. Given that the Supreme Court currently operates without a binding code of conduct, the resolution seeks to address potential ethical gaps specific to the highest court in the land.

Summary

Senate Resolution 103, introduced in the Hawaii Senate during the 2023 legislative session, strongly urges the Supreme Court of the United States to adopt a formal ethics code for its justices. The resolution emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the judicial system, particularly regarding the disclosure of any conflicts of interest that might arise during the justices' tenure. It references the precedent set in the case of Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co., where the necessity of maintaining integrity within the judiciary was highlighted by Justice Kennedy.

Contention

While the resolution itself may not face significant contention within the Hawaii legislature, it brings forth a broader debate about the accountability of the Supreme Court justices. Proponents of the resolution argue that formal ethics guidelines are essential to preserve public trust in the judiciary. Critics, on the other hand, may raise concerns regarding judicial independence and the feasibility of enforcing such a code on the Supreme Court, as well as the implications of legislative interference in what is traditionally seen as the judicial realm. Thus, the resolution highlights ongoing discussions about reforming judicial ethics at a national level.

Companion Bills

HI HR155

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

HI SCR204

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

Previously Filed As

HI SR91

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt The Social Security 2100 Act.

HI SCR109

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt The Social Security 2100 Act.

HI HCR46

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt The Social Security 2100 Act.

HI HR35

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt The Social Security 2100 Act.

HI SR6

Urging The President Of The United States And Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Support An Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza.

HI SR66

Urging Retail Stores And Pharmacies Doing Business In The State To Adopt A Policy On A National And Local Level Guaranteeing An Individual's Unhindered Access To All United States Food And Drug Administration-approved Contraceptives.

HI HR77

Strongly Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Reconsider Using The Waipo Soccer Complex As Its Next Landfill Site.

HI SR187

Urging The County Police Departments And The State To Take Action To Deter Homeless Individuals From Returning To Public Areas After Sweeps For At Least Thirty Days.

HI HR195

Urging The President Of The United States And The United States Congress To Call For An Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza; Facilitate The De-escalation Of, And End To, Hostilities; And Provide To The Area Fuel, Food, Water, Medical Supplies, And Other Forms Of Humanitarian Relief.

HI SR199

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.