Ketanji Brown Jackson Advocates for Enforceable Ethics Code for Supreme Court

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has voiced her support for an "enforceable code" of ethics for the high court, highlighting the importance of impartiality and transparency in judicial decision-making.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in her first sit-down interview since being appointed to the Court, has expressed her support for an "enforceable" ethics code for Supreme Court justices. The call comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Court's ethical standards and concerns raised by Democrats.

"I follow the rules, whatever they are, with respect to ethical obligations. And it's important in my view to do so. It really boils down to impartiality. That's what the rules are about," Jackson told CBS News' Norah O'Donnell.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Advocates for Enforceable Ethics Code for Supreme Court

The Supreme Court released a new "Code of Conduct" in November, following pressure from Democrats demanding more robust ethics laws for the high court. However, questions have been raised about the effectiveness and enforceability of the current code.

Justice Clarence Thomas has faced criticism for failing to disclose gifts from Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow, while Justice Samuel Alito has been criticized for flying an upside-down American flag at their Virginia home in the weeks following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Advocates for Enforceable Ethics Code for Supreme Court

When asked specifically about the reporting surrounding Justice Thomas, Jackson declined to comment, saying, "I'm not going to comment on other justices' interpretations of the rules or what they're doing."

Jackson emphasized the importance of an enforceable code of ethics, noting that it is a "pretty standard" for judges.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Advocates for Enforceable Ethics Code for Supreme Court

"And so, I guess the question is, 'Is the Supreme Court any different?' And I guess I have not seen a persuasive reason as to why the court is different than the other courts," she said.

O'Donnell asked Jackson if she would support an enforcement mechanism for the Court, to which she responded, "I am considering supporting it as a general matter. I'm not going to get into commenting on particular policy proposals. But from my perspective, I don't have any problem with an enforceable code."

Jackson's comments come as she has been gifted four concert tickets by pop superstar Beyoncé valued at $3,700, according to a financial disclosure. The Biden-appointed justice also disclosed a $900,000 advance for her upcoming memoir "Lovely One," out in September, and two gifts of artwork in her chambers worth $12,500.

In the interview, Jackson also spoke out about the Trump immunity decision that the Court handed down in July.

"I was concerned about a system that appeared to provide immunity for one individual under one set of circumstances, when we have a criminal justice system that had ordinarily treated everyone the same," she said.

Jackson, who was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Biden in 2022, wrote a dissenting opinion in the Supreme Court's ruling. The Supreme Court said in July that a former president has substantial immunity from prosecution for official acts committed while in office, but not for unofficial acts.