Justice Neil Gorsuch, a member of the Supreme Court, has come under fire for his cautionary remarks concerning President Joe Biden's proposed alterations to the Supreme Court's structure.
The President's proposed modifications encompass a tripartite plan aimed at revamping the nation's apex court. This includes the introduction of term limits for justices, a constitutional amendment to overturn the court's ruling on presidential immunity, and the implementation of a binding ethics code for the bench. The Biden administration has expressed its support for a reform that would see presidents appoint justices biennially, with justices serving an active term of 18 years on the court.
In an interview with Fox News, as reported by Newsweek, Gorsuch urged the American public to tread carefully when considering changes to the independent judiciary. "The independent judiciary what does it mean to you as an American? It means that when you're unpopular, you can get a fair hearing under the law and under the Constitution," Gorsuch stated. He further elaborated, "If you're in the majority, you don't need judges and juries to hear you and protect your rights, you're popular. It's there for the moments when the spotlight's on you; when the government's coming after you. And don't you want a ferociously independent judge and a jury of your peers to make those decisions? Isn't that your right as an American? And so I just say be careful."
Gorsuch's comments sparked a flurry of criticism on social media platforms. Among the critics was Harry Litman, a former deputy assistant attorney general and current legal affairs columnist. Litman questioned Gorsuch's decision to discuss the topic on Fox News, calling it "remarkably out of line." Despite the fact that Supreme Court justices are not prohibited from engaging in political discourse, they frequently face backlash for doing so due to their lifelong appointments to the bench.
In the same vein, Gorsuch declined to comment on Justice Elena Kagan's endorsement of the creation of a judicial panel to monitor justices' compliance with the court's ethics code in an interview published on Sunday. Critics of Gorsuch's remarks appear to have interpreted his cautionary "be careful" as a veiled threat.
Among those voicing their disapproval was Jack Hopkins, a podcast host and self-proclaimed "former Republican." Hopkins took to social media to express his discontent, stating, "Neil Gorsuch said 'be careful' about President Biden's suggested plan for the United States Supreme Court. No. You be careful. The American people will demand those changes and support President Harris and our elected officials in making those changes. Don't you dare f*ck this country over, and then tell us, 'Be careful.'"
This incident underscores the contentious nature of the proposed Supreme Court reforms and the potential implications they hold for the independence of the judiciary, a cornerstone of American democracy.
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