Supreme Court Responds to Pressure with New Ethics Code

The Supreme Court has issued a broad code of conduct aimed at promoting "integrity and impartiality" among the justices, following controversies over their ethics. However, the code lacks an enforcement mechanism and does not address past transgressions or specific issues such as lavish trips and gifts received by some justices. Critics argue that the code gives justices too much discretion over recusal decisions and fails to provide a remedy for violations. While some see it as a positive step, others believe it falls short in holding the justices accountable. The issuance of the code comes amid ongoing pressure from Senate Democrats to investigate the trips taken by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. funded by wealthy donors.