WBA Debate Topic: U.S. Supreme Court

Following recent rulings, surveys have shown public confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court is at its lowest level in years. Critics of the court have suggested changes such as replacing lifetime appointments with term limits or expanding the court beyond nine justices. They have also proposed more strict ethical oversight of the high court because of conflicts of interest. Would you support any or all of these ideas for court reform and why?

• Several polls find confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court is at its lowest levels in years:
  • Gallup
  • Marquette Law School
  • AP NORC
  • Pew Research Center
• Several suggestions for changes have been made given the decline in confidence. (The Conversation)
• The Brookings Institute breaks down some of the changes that have been suggested and what questions need to be asked.
• How did the Supreme Court become so polarized? (ABC News)