Oklahoma Senate Bill SR24

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24

Caption

Resolution; condemning any attempt to pack the Supreme Court of the United States and affirming the belief that the court shall only be composed of nine justices.

Impact

If adopted, SR24 would serve as a formal position of the Oklahoma State Senate, urging unity among its members and other state officials to oppose any future moves by Congress or the executive branch to alter the composition of the Supreme Court. This resolution seeks to preserve the tradition of a nine-member court, asserting that any changes to this structure could undermine judicial integrity and the foundational laws established by the Constitution. It resonates particularly in the current political climate where discussions about judicial reform have been prominent.

Summary

Senate Resolution 24 (SR24) is a resolution that condemns any attempts to pack the Supreme Court of the United States. The resolution asserts the belief that the Supreme Court should only be comprised of nine justices, a size that has not changed since 1869. The resolution emphasizes the historical significance of the court and its role as the most powerful judicial body in the nation, established by the U.S. Constitution. It recalls President Franklin D. Roosevelt's unsuccessful attempt to expand the court, labeling it as a strategy to serve political agendas, thereby underlining the concerns of misuse of judicial authority.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SR24 could revolve around political divides concerning the legitimacy of court packing as a measure for political representation. Proponents of the resolution may argue that maintaining a nine-justice court ensures fairness and stability in judicial proceedings, whereas opponents may view it as a rejection of necessary reforms aimed at addressing imbalances within the judicial system. The resolution is likely to evoke discussions regarding the balance of power between the branches of government and the implications of altering the Supreme Court's composition.