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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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 for his abuses of power and against Justice Kavanaugh regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, perjury, and conspiracy to obstruct congressional proceedings.
Expand the Court
Congress must pass the Judiciary Act which would add four seats to the Supreme Court to restore legitimacy and balance to the court, and secure the rights of the American people.
Pass Ethics Reform
Congress must pass the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act to enforce a code of conduct for Supreme Court justices, improve disclosure, and increase transparency. This includes stricter application of recusal rules, as exemplified by the need for Justice Thomas's recusal from Trump v. United States.
Congress must pass The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024 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 concerns such as potential influence on decisions and conflicts of interest, as exemplified by scrutiny over gifts and trips received by Justice Clarence Thomas.
Congress must also impose a ban on substantial gifts to Supreme Court justices. Recusal of individual justices in cases in which they have a direct conflict is necessary, but not enough, to protect the Court and the public from the undue influence the billionaire class now wields over these justices. Ethics reform must be accompanied by oversight and enforced accountability by independent third parties.
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.
