Do Supreme Court Justices Need a Code of Conduct?

The video discusses the resignation of Abe Fortas from the Supreme Court due to an ethics scandal and draws parallels to current controversies involving Justice Clarence Thomas. It explores the historical context of judicial independence, the impeachment of Samuel Chase, and the development of ethics rules for judges. The video also debates the applicability of these rules to Supreme Court justices and the role of Congress in regulating the court.

What was the main reason for Justice Abe Fortas's resignation from the Supreme Court?

• Health issues

• Retirement age

• Ethics scandal

• Political pressure

Which historical figure was the only Supreme Court justice to be impeached?

• John Marshall

• Samuel Chase

• Clarence Thomas

• Abe Fortas

What was the outcome of the impeachment trial of Justice Samuel Chase?

• He was fined

• He was removed from office

• He was acquitted

• He resigned voluntarily

What was the role of the Judicial Conference created in the 1920s?

• To oversee Supreme Court justices

• To draft the Constitution

• To set administrative policies for courts

• To appoint federal judges

Why are Supreme Court justices exempt from the Judicial Conference's ethics rules?

• They are appointed by the President

• The Judicial Conference lacks authority over them

• The Constitution exempts them

• They have lifetime appointments

What is one legal obligation that Supreme Court justices must adhere to?

• Attend all court sessions

• Follow the President's directives

• Retire at age 70

• Submit annual financial disclosures

Who could potentially rule on the legality of an ethics code imposed by Congress on the Supreme Court?

• The Supreme Court itself

• The Senate

• The President

• The Judicial Conference