Official announcements from the Supreme Court or relevant federal authorities

Biden Proposes 15-Year Term Limits and Ethics Code for Supreme Court Justices

Jul 16, 2024, 10:11 PM

President Joe Biden has announced his support for implementing term limits for Supreme Court justices, a move that could significantly impact the judicial landscape in the United States. Biden's proposal includes a 15-year term limit for justices, aligning with public sentiment as a recent Selzer poll indicates that 67% of Americans support such a measure. Additionally, Biden is advocating for term limits for members of Congress and age limits for all elected and appointed federal positions. This initiative is seen as a monumental step for his presidency and a significant advancement of public interest. However, critics argue that these changes threaten constitutional norms and the separation of powers. The proposal follows the establishment of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court in April 2021, which issued its final report in December 2021. Despite the potential benefits, the proposed changes would require legislation that faces significant hurdles in Congress. In comparison, India has an 18-year term limit for its Supreme Court justices, and Biden's plan also includes an enforceable ethics code for the justices.