Jon Paul: Decisions weaken public perception of Supreme Court

To The Daily Sun,

Public trust of the Supreme Court is at an all time low. The court's credibility and the public's acceptance of its decisions depend upon the trust that it is not influenced by the other branches of government or special interest lobbyists. Currently, many politicians and lobbyists have great influence on the decisions made by the court. If these same folks make generous donations to the barely legit Supreme Court Historical Society, or shower a justice with lavish gifts or vacation getaways, they know they will influence the court’s judgments in their favor.

When the court also rules in lock step with the president who appointed them, that’s a big problem. They then appear no more scrupulous than partisan lobbyists. The court has not demonstrated the ability to consistently rule objectively or without bias. The president now rules with impunity, knowing that he has emasculated the court. This, again, only weakens the public perception of the court's standing.

Article III of the Constitution dictates a lifetime appointment for justices demonstrating “good behavior.” I would hardly list Clarence Thomas’ acceptance of $4.2 million in gifts or Samuel Alito receiving multiple luxurious vacations as being good behavior. The system of lifetime appointments was intended to ensure judicial independence and to insulate the justices from political pressures. Well, it's safe to say that intention has failed. 

Jon Paul

Alton Bay