The Problem
American Democracy faces a grave crisis, with the United States Supreme Court, our highest judicial institution, mired in corruption and undue influence.
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At least two justices are effectively on the billionaire payroll, having accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not more) in financial benefits. Billionaires like Harlan Crow and Federalist Society co-chair Leonard Leo wield substantial power, shaping a right-wing majority that prioritizes corporate and other big-money interests over constitutional mandates.
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The Court currently includes justices chosen despite public and credible allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
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Despite clear conflicts of interest, at least two justices have refused to recuse themselves from cases related to the January 6th insurrection. The spouse of one of those justices was directly involved in the “Stop the Steal” movement to try to overturn the 2020 presidential election, which fueled the insurrection. The other justice has allowed insurrectionist and Christian nationalist flags, both of which have been adopted as symbols of the January 6 insurrection, to be flown outside his homes, creating a clear appearance of bias. These actions have exposed political allegiances and support for the January 6th insurrection, violating the code of ethics and the expectation that the Supreme Court remains an impartial body to uphold the Constitution and American democracy.
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The Federalist Society and other corporate-backed organizations have spent decades packing the Supreme Court and lower courts using their undue, big-money influence over the justices and judges, as well as over the politicians tasked with choosing them.
The Impact
The result is a Supreme Court that favors corporate interests over the will of the people and undermines basic constitutional principles and long-standing statutes. This Court’s actions have disproportionately harmed our most vulnerable communities. It has overturned a 50-year precedent establishing the right to choose, opened the door to racial and LGBTQ+ discrimination, favored corporate interests over those of the public, twisted freedom of religion into a license for the Christian majority (of which most of the justices are devout members) to discriminate against disfavored minorities, and set our democracy on a dangerous path forward for decades to come. The current right-wing majority has fraudulently and corruptly argued an “originalist” position of the Constitution as cover to advance this political agenda–though they ignore original language when it would harm the interests of their benefactors. These injustices compromise the integrity of our judiciary and erode the foundation of our democracy.
Take Action
Join the campaign. Sign these four petitions, which demand that Congress take immediate action in four key areas that will both address ongoing corruption in the Supreme Court and help protect the judiciary from corruption in the future.
Issue Subpoenas
The Senate Judiciary Committee must exert its authority in overseeing the federal judiciary, issue the subpoena it previously authorized against right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow, seek Justice Department enforcement of the subpoena it has issued against Leonard Leo, and carry out a full and robust investigation of corruption at the Supreme Court.
Begin Impeachment Proceedings
The House Judiciary Committee should immediately initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Thomas (H.Res. 1353) for his abuses of power and against Justice Kavanaugh regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, perjury, and conspiracy to obstruct congressional proceedings, and against Justice Alito (H.Res. 1354) for bringing disrepute on the Supreme Court and for refusing to recuse himself from cases relating to the January 6th insurrection despite clear evidence and appearance of bias.
Pass Ethics Reform
Congress must pass ethics reform that includes banning Justices from owning conflicted assets, require the Supreme Court to adhere to a binding code of conduct at least as strict as the code of conduct for U.S. judges already applicable to lower court federal judges, improve disclosure, overhaul the broken recusal process, and restrict the Court from sealing public health and safety records. Many of these reforms are included in Rep. Jayapal and Sen. Warren’s 2023 Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act (H.R.3973 / S.1908).
Congress must impose a ban on substantial gifts to Supreme Court justices and pass the High Court Gift Ban Act (H.R.8830), introduced by Rep. Raskin and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. Justices should not be allowed to accept lavish gifts from benefactors to ensure judicial decisions are free from undue influence.
Congress must pass The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024 (H.R.8098) to establish an Office of the Inspector General within the judicial branch to oversee judicial ethics, investigate alleged violations, and report to Congress. This will support accountability and transparency in the Supreme Court, addressing the danger of improper influence over decisions and conflicts of interest, as exemplified by the enormous gifts and trips received by Justices Alito and Thomas.
To protect the Court and the public from the undue influence the billionaire class now wields over the COURT, ethics reform must be accompanied by oversight and enforced accountability by independent third parties, including the attorney general's authority to investigate violations and enforce the code.
Who We Are
Free Speech For People is a national non-profit non-partisan organization dedicated to defending our democracy and our Constitution. Through our cutting-edge legal advocacy, public education, and organizing work, we are a catalyzing leader in the country challenging big money in politics, confronting corruption in government, fighting to protect our right to vote and our elections, holding insurrectionists accountable, and advancing a new jurisprudence grounded in the promises of political equality and democratic self-government.
