In a revealing interview, Stephen Breyer, former US Supreme Court Justice, supports the introduction of term limits or age caps for justices, amidst discussions on court credibility and adaptability to societal changes.
Former US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has voiced support for introducing term limits for justices on the Supreme Court, highlighting concerns over the need for justices to focus on duties rather than future prospects. During an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Breyer suggested a term length of around 18-20 years or an age limit for justices. His comments come after his retirement in 2022, which allowed President Joe Biden to nominate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, marking her as the first Black woman on the court. Breyer, who served for 28 years after being nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1994, also criticized a textualist interpretation of the constitution and commented on the importance of adapting judicial decision-making to societal changes and historical context.
The discussion around Supreme Court appointments and credibility has been intensified by recent events. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault in 2018, has revisited her allegations in her memoir “One Way Back,” where she challenges Kavanaugh to sue her for defamation. Ford’s story and the controversy over Kavanaugh’s confirmation have had lasting implications on discussions about the Supreme Court and its rulings, notably on abortion rights.
The leaked decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the controversies surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas’ involvement in cases linked to the January 6 insurrection have further complicated the public’s trust in the court. Breyer, in his remarks, also touched upon the issues of confidentiality breaches and the critical reception of the court in light of divisive rulings and political affiliations of its members. Through these discussions, the challenges facing the Supreme Court in maintaining its credibility, impartiality, and alignment with the evolving societal values are underscored.
