Cleveland, Ohio-based CNN.
On Thursday, Justice Brett Kavanaugh announced that the Supreme Court is working on “concrete steps” to tackle ethics issues at the high court, in light of recent news stories about the travel of justices and their relationships with political donors.
Kavanaugh spoke to a group of judges and lawyers at judicial conferences in Ohio, where Chief Justice John Roberts had promised in May that the court would adhere to high standards of conduct.
Kavanaugh stated that the chief justice’s words in May about resolving those issues were correct. “I hope there will be some concrete action taken soon on that front,” he said.
Kavanaugh did not address specific allegations during a conversation with Judges Jeffrey S. Sutton and Stephanie Dawkins Davis, who both work for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. ProPublica, the Associated Press, and other sources have reported on issues related to Supreme Court justices’ private jet travel, lavish vacations, as well as the use of taxpayer-funded staff to perform tasks related only to book ventures.
Kavanaugh stated that the court is composed of “nine public servants who are hardworking and deeply invested in their duties and profession, particularly in judicial matters.”
Despite the court’s opinions being met with disagreement from the public, he stated that they hold the institution in high regard and want American people to share their respect.
Kavanaugh stated that they are working to increase confidence as much as possible.
Kavanaugh’s remarks are a little more extensive than his speech in July, where he hinted that illegitimate comments by Roberts on the issue were not his preference.
The comments come just weeks before the start of a new term, and critics, including Democrats in Congress, are pushing for the justices to create specialized codes of conduct for their own bureau.
The justices restated in a statement signed by the entire court last term that they will adhere to guidelines that apply to judges in lower courts.
The court’s criticism has not placated critics who argue that more transparency is necessary in ensuring fairness in their non-judicial roles. However, the justices have refused to adhere to an official ethics code specific to the high court.
According to Kavanaugh, the court is a legal organization that prioritizes impartiality and consistency, regardless of political affiliations.
Kavanaugh frequently used a sports analogy to illustrate his point.
Kavanaugh pointed out that a narrow strike zone for one umpire and broader strike zones were acceptable. However, he stressed the importance of consistent callers who don’t favor the Red Sox or Yankees.
According to him, judges should establish their own set of constitutional principles and use them as a reference point, regardless of whether it harms the Democratic, Republican, or environmental groups.
This story has been amended.