New Rules for Judges: Ethics, Transparency, and Conflict Avoidance.
This bill introduces new ethical rules for Supreme Court and other federal judges, increasing transparency in their actions and finances. The aim is to foster greater trust in the judiciary, impacting how citizens perceive judicial impartiality.
Key points
The Supreme Court must establish its own code of conduct; otherwise, the existing federal judges' code will apply.
Rules for judges recusing themselves from cases are expanded to include financial or lobbying ties with parties over the past 6 years.
Court of Appeals and Supreme Court proceedings must be video-recorded and published online, increasing public access.
Restrictions on sealing court records are introduced, requiring justification and public challenge opportunities.
New rules for disclosing judicial gifts and travel are implemented, along with a ban on gifts from groups influencing court cases.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4010
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Process start date: 2022-04-06