The Growing Need for Supreme Court Reforms

The U.S. Supreme Court is in need of reform. Recent ethics scandals and anticonstitutional opinions show that the Supreme Court is operating far outside the framework intended at the nation’s founding. To rein in an out-of-control judiciary, Congress should enact 18-year term limits for justices, along with a binding and enforceable code of ethics as constitutional self-reinforcing principles that will strengthen the court and American democracy as the Constitution intended.

This series highlights how the Supreme Court has fallen so far in the public’s regard, what is at stake if the American people and Congress fail to act, and what reforms are necessary—and constitutional—to bring the high court back into alignment with the Constitution.

Photo shows a partial view of the front of the Supreme Court building against a cloudy sky, with the American flag flying in front
The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen in Washington, D.C., January 2024. (Getty/Drew Angerer)
The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision on the abortion pill mifepristone as a temporary stay issued by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is expected to expire at midnight. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Demand Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices

Take action now to demand the immediate implementation of 18-year term limits.

In this series

Compact View

The Supreme Court’s Presidential Immunity Case, the Threat to Democracy, and the Path Forward Past Event

The Supreme Court’s Presidential Immunity Case, the Threat to Democracy, and the Path Forward

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will address the threats the current U.S. Supreme Court and a future president could pose to the foundation of American democracy.

How Americans Can Fight Back Against a Radical Supreme Court Majority Article
The U.S. Supreme Court.

How Americans Can Fight Back Against a Radical Supreme Court Majority

Responding to the judicial overreach of a radical Supreme Court majority will require long-term structural reforms to the courts and immediate action to mitigate the harms caused by their wrongly decided decisions.

Ben Olinsky, Grace Oyenubi

The Need for Supreme Court Term Limits Report

The Need for Supreme Court Term Limits

It is essential to update the rules governing the Supreme Court to better reflect modern life.

Maggie Jo Buchanan

Structural Reforms to the Federal Judiciary Report
Light reflects off the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., February 2016. (Getty/Mark Wilson)

Structural Reforms to the Federal Judiciary

The federal judiciary has hit a crisis point that requires changes to how the courts operate and how cases are brought before them.

Danielle Root, Sam Berger

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