The Least Dangerous Branch? · Episode 12 of 13 · 24 min
Term Limits, Ethics, and Reform: What Do We Tell the Students?
The series ends with the modern ethics controversies and the live reform debate: 18-year term limits, court expansion, and ethics enforcement, plus the 'good Behaviour' snag and why reform stalls despite roughly 65% public support. It closes on the physician's nicotine story and argues for civic realism, reading the Court critically rather than cynically.
Who's who
- Clarence Thomas+1 more episodeJustice at the center of 2023 reporting on undisclosed gifts and travel
- Harlan CrowBillionaire donor who hosted Thomas on yachts and jets
- Samuel Alito+3 more episodesJustice reported to have accepted a 2008 private jet trip
- John Roberts+5 more episodesChief Justice who signed the Court's first Code of Conduct
- Ro KhannaCongressman and lead sponsor of an 18-year term-limits bill
- Don BeyerCongressman and co-sponsor of the term-limits bill
- Peter WelchSenator who sponsored an 18-year term amendment
- Joe Manchin+1 more episodeSenator who co-sponsored the term amendment
Timeline
- April 6, 2023ProPublica publishes its first Thomas-Crow investigation.
- November 13, 2023Court adopts its first written Code of Conduct, without enforcement.
- December 2024Welch and Manchin introduce a term-limits constitutional amendment.
- February 6, 2025Khanna and Beyer reintroduce the term-limits bill, exempting sitting Justices.
- May 4, 2026Rep. Johnny Olszewski introduces the ROBE Act amendment.
Still debated
Whether 18-year term limits can be imposed by statute or need a constitutional amendment is unsettled. Observers also split on whether the self-policing ethics code is real reform, and whether court expansion would restore balance or spark an arms race.
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