Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address described the U.S. government as being “of the people, for the people, by the people.” It is a fitting description of how citizens select or become our president and members of Congress, state or federal. The entire electoral process gives U.S. citizens a meaningful say in the actions of our government. There is an accountability of those elected to those electing. It’s a good though not perfect system.
The judicial branch of our government, unlike the executive and legislative branches, is truly an autocracy. Consider — the U.S. Supreme Court is accountable and controlled by no one. Justices, after U.S. Senate confirmation, have lifetime appointments. They are not governed by ethics rules.
The Supreme Court has been beset by several recent issues which raise doubts about its integrity and impartiality. These include failure of Justice Thomas to recuse himself on cases involving his spouse, and contradictions of promises given by Justices in their nomination hearings.
Increasing the size of the Supreme Court will only increase the magnitude of the problem. What the country needs are term limits for Supreme Court Justices. Or, at least a periodic re-confirmation process whereby the U.S. Senate is able to reconsider whether a Justice should remain on the Court. Such a process would give citizens, through their elected representative, a say on who should stay and who should go.
Paul Gallo
Barre