Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 16
Congressional Democrats Push 13-Justice Supreme Court Plan as 18-Year Term Limits Gain Backing
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 16

Congressional Democrats Push 13-Justice Supreme Court Plan as 18-Year Term Limits Gain Backing

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 16

Summary

  • About a dozen Democratic bills would remake the Supreme Court, including one expanding it from nine to 13 justices and another capping service at 18 years.
  • The push reflects mounting liberal anger at the court’s conservative direction, after rulings that weakened the Voting Rights Act, loosened campaign finance rules and expanded presidential power.
  • July polling showed record disapproval of the court’s performance and broad liberal belief that justices are deciding cases ideologically, a concern sharpened by election-related cases before the midterms.
  • The proposals face steep odds: Democrats would need firm control of Congress and likely to scrap the Senate filibuster, since 60 votes would otherwise be required.

Insights

How will forcing the highest court to explain its mysterious emergency decisions reshape American justice?
Can a simple statute legally end lifetime Supreme Court power without triggering a constitutional crisis?