Us Congress Senate Bill SJR120

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SJR120 would lead to significant changes in how Supreme Court justices are appointed and how long they serve. By instituting fixed terms of 18 years, the bill aims to reduce the lifetime appointments that have historically dominated the bench. This could facilitate a more predictable and balanced turnover of justices, potentially impacting the ideological makeup of the Court over time and encouraging a more consistent approach to judicial vacancies.

Summary

SJR120 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States aimed at normalizing the process for filling vacancies and appointments for justices of the Supreme Court. This amendment specifies that the Supreme Court will be composed of nine justices, including the Chief Justice, and establishes a structured timeline for the terms of newly appointed justices. The bill introduces an 18-year term limit for justices, beginning from odd-numbered years, and includes detailed provisions for how vacancies will be handled both before and after the amendment's ratification.

Contention

The most notable points of contention surrounding SJR120 involve concerns over the implications of term limits for justices and the impact on the independence of the judiciary. Proponents argue that term limits would prevent justices from serving excessively long tenures that could lead to stagnation and political entrenchment. Critics, however, warn that imposing term limits could undermine judicial independence, as justices may feel greater pressure to align with the political interests of the current administration could influence their decision-making.