Concerns about the U.S. Supreme Court often center on declining public trust, political polarization, and perceived lack of transparency, particularly following major decisions like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with critics citing a far-right agenda, questionable scholarship, potential ethics issues (undisclosed gifts/travel), and an unwillingness to explain rulings, leading to concerns about legitimacy and undue influence from wealthy donors, while some judges note dysfunctional processes, caseloads, and the Court's perceived detachment from lower courts and practical law application. Key Criticisms & Concerns
- Ethics & Influence: Allegations of undisclosed luxury travel and gifts to justices from ideological allies, raising questions about impartiality and outside influence, as highlighted by groups like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Alliance for Justice.
- Political Polarization: Public approval ratings have dropped significantly, with Democrats, younger adults, and college-educated individuals expressing more negative views, especially after the Dobbs decision.
- Lack of Transparency: The Court's use of the "shadow docket" to make rapid, unexplained decisions on major policies is criticized as abdicating responsibility and allowing policies to advance without judicial review.
- Judicial Philosophy: Critics argue for a shift towards a far-right, politically motivated agenda, questioning the legal basis and fairness of decisions, especially concerning environmental regulations and executive power.
- Internal Functioning: Some suggest the Court is overwhelmed by its caseload, struggles to provide clear, usable law, and has lost touch with the practical realities faced by lower courts.
Proposed Solutions & Debates
- Structural Reform: Proposals include expanding the Court's size, imposing term limits, and establishing retirement ages for justices.
- Ethics Code: Calls for a binding code of ethics to ensure accountability and public trust.
In essence, the perception of the Supreme Court being "wrong" stems from deep-seated concerns about its integrity, political leanings, and operational effectiveness in the current American political climate, according to analyses from Pew Research Center and The New York Times. -