Chief Justice John Roberts Acknowledges Need for Supreme Court to Improve Ethical Standards

The Supreme Court is facing increased scrutiny over its ethical conduct, with Chief Justice John Roberts acknowledging Tuesday that the court needs to take steps to improve its standards. Roberts made the remarks at a law dinner where he was honored with an award.

The comments come amid reports of ethical missteps by justices, prompting the court to form a committee to craft new ethics guidelines. However, the committee’s stated purpose has been called into question by recent events.

Texas real estate magnate and GOP donor Harlan Crow has rejected requests from Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee for a full accounting of the gifts, trips and travel accommodations he has given to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Michael Bopp, a lawyer for Crow, told the committee that it lacks the authority to probe Crow’s relationship with the justice and does not have the authority to conduct an ethics examination of a member of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s ethical standards have been the subject of debate for some time, with some critics arguing that the court should be subject to the same ethical standards as other federal judges. Roberts did not provide any specifics on what the court can do to improve its standards, but said the justices “are continuing to look at the things we can do to give practical effect to that commitment.”

The Supreme Court’s ethical conduct has come under increased scrutiny in recent months, with the committee’s stated purpose of crafting new ethics guidelines being called into question by recent events. It remains to be seen what steps the court will take to improve its standards and address public perception of the court.