Washington D.C. – Following today’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court that it will adopt a formal code of ethics, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:
“For years, People For the American Way has been calling for the Supreme Court to adopt an enforceable code of ethics. And it’s not surprising the Court chose this moment to finally make an announcement, given the enormous concerns about its integrity in the wake of ethics scandal after scandal. Although adopting a code is a step in the right direction, unfortunately the code announced by the Court falls short on a number of fronts. These include failure to provide for adequate transparency -- for example, with respect to recusals -- and the absence of clear enforcement mechanisms. We look forward to Congress continuing its investigation and oversight of Court ethics. And we continue to urge the Justice Department to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas’s apparent failure to comply with his existing legal disclosure obligations.”
###
About People For the American Way People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org