Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has faced a wave of criticism and attacks, particularly from progressive groups. These attacks, often framed as efforts to "save democracy," aim to restructure the court and influence its decisions. However, public opinion firmly opposes these attempts.
A recent Wall Street Journal report revealed that an overwhelming 91% of Americans view an independent judiciary as vital for protecting civil liberties. This sentiment is echoed in a Mason-Dixon poll commissioned by First Liberty Institute, which found that 72% of Americans believe the politicization of the Supreme Court endangers judicial independence, and 59% disapprove of attacks on the justices' integrity.
Despite media scrutiny of certain justices' ethics, especially Justice Clarence Thomas, the Mason-Dixon poll indicates that 69% of Americans oppose Congress establishing ethics rules for the judiciary. This suggests that the public recognizes the potential threat to the separation of powers. The poll, conducted among 1,100 registered voters nationwide, demonstrates that the left's campaign to discredit the Court has not resonated with the majority of Americans.
A significant 68% of Americans remain opposed to court-packing, a radical proposal to expand the number of justices. Even President Biden, who in 2020 cautioned against turning the Supreme Court into a "political football," formed a commission to explore potential court reforms. However, the commission's final report offered no concrete recommendations.
Recent attacks on Justice Thomas, fueled by his originalist judicial philosophy, have escalated to accusations of unethical conduct and calls for his resignation. The Senate Judiciary Committee has initiated an investigation, and some have proposed legislation to impose ethics rules on the Supreme Court, a move seen by many as a breach of constitutional principles.
The American public understands that an independent judiciary is crucial for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding civil liberties. The attempts to undermine the Court's legitimacy are perceived as politically motivated and detrimental to these fundamental principles. The overwhelming message from the public is clear: Leave the Court alone.
