Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SJR21

Introduced
3/22/23  

Caption

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

Impact

The impact of SJR21 would be substantial, as it aims to solidify the number of justices, which has been a topic of political contention over recent years. Supporters of the resolution argue that this measure would help maintain judicial stability and prevent any potential expansion of the court for partisan purposes, which they believe could undermine the integrity of the judiciary. They contend that having a fixed number of justices serves to protect the judiciary from fluctuations in political power and maintains the intended checks and balances within the federal government.

Summary

SJR21 proposes a significant amendment to the United States Constitution mandating that the Supreme Court shall be composed of nine justices. This initiative aims to enshrine the current structure of the Supreme Court into the Constitution itself, thereby preventing any future changes to the number of justices that can be appointed. The resolution has been introduced in the Senate and will require ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, as is customary for constitutional amendments.

Contention

Notably, the proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public alike. Critics argue that the resolution addresses a problem that may not exist, suggesting that there are other more pressing issues facing the judicial system that require attention. The discourse surrounding SJR21 reflects larger ongoing conversations about judicial reform, including concerns about court packing and political influence over judicial appointments. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it will likely continue to elicit strong opinions from both supporters and opponents.

Companion Bills

US HJR8

Related Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US HJR1

Related Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US SJR16

Related A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of not more than 9 justices.

US HJR81

Related Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices.

Previously Filed As

US SJR16

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US SJR16

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of not more than 9 justices.

US HJR1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US HJR8

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US HJR81

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices.

US HJR1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US HJR28

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US SJR120

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to normalize vacancies and appointments for justices of the Supreme Court of the United States and for other purposes.

US SJR19

A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

US SJR14

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the Federal budget be balanced.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.