In a revealing interview, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson voiced her support for a binding ethics code for justices.

Justice Brown Jackson, in her first major interview since taking the bench, expressed her likely approval of a potential Supreme Court-specific, enforceable ethics code amid recent controversies, as Fox News reports.

During a discussion with Norah O'Donnell of CBS News, Justice Jackson articulated her viewpoint on the need for stringent ethical guidelines for Supreme Court justices. This discussion comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny concerning the ethical conduct of some justices.

Justice Clarence Thomas recently faced criticism for not disclosing gifts from Harlan Crow, a prominent Republican donor. Furthermore, Justice Samuel Alito's decision to display an upside-down American flag outside his Virginia residence after the Capitol unrest of Jan. 6, 2021, also drew public attention.

Jackson, however, chose not to comment directly on the behavior of her colleagues or delve into specific proposals regarding the ethics code. Instead, she focused on the broader implications of such a code for the judiciary's credibility.

Justice Jackson's Disclosure Highlights Transparency

Emphasizing transparency, Justice Jackson disclosed her own acceptance of gifts which included four concert tickets from singer Beyoncé, valued at $3,700.

She was also transparent about a significant advance of $900,000 she received for her upcoming memoir, titled Lovely One, set for a September release.

In addition to these disclosures, she reported receiving two pieces of artwork for her chambers, with a combined value of $12,500, highlighting her commitment to transparency.

Jackson underscored the importance of judges revealing such gifts. "People are entitled to know if you're accepting gifts as a judge so that they can evaluate whether or not your opinions are impartial," she stated in the interview.

The Supreme Court's New Code of Conduct

In response to the controversies, the Supreme Court, in November, issued a new Code of Conduct. This move is seen as an attempt to restore public confidence in the ethical standing of the Court's justices.

Jackson expressed her general support for the enforceable code during the interview. "A binding code of ethics is pretty standard for judges. And so, I guess the question is, 'Is the Supreme Court any different?'" she remarked, questioning the exemption of the Supreme Court from such standard practices.

"I am considering supporting it as a general matter," Jackson added, underscoring her inclination towards formalizing these ethical standards.

Broader Implications of Ethical Standards in Judiciary

Jackson's stance on ethics comes at a critical juncture when the judiciary's impartiality is under public scrutiny. Her support for a formal ethics code aligns with growing calls for greater accountability within the highest court of the United States.

In a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning presidential immunity, Jackson wrote a dissenting opinion, highlighting her concern over a system that she perceived as offering immunity to one individual under certain conditions. This stance underscores her broader concerns about equality and justice within the legal system.

"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 elaborated.

Looking Forward: The Impact of Justice Jackson's Advocacy

As Justice Jackson navigates her role in the Supreme Court, her advocacy for an enforceable ethics code could play a significant role in shaping the future conduct of the justices. Her actions and statements suggest a commitment to ensuring the Court's operations are transparent and accountable to the public.

This commitment to ethical standards not only reflects on her personal values but also signifies a potentially transformative shift in how the Supreme Court manages ethical concerns internally.

Jackson's call for a binding ethics code points towards what supporters say is her vision of a judiciary that upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct, ensuring public trust and the integrity of judicial decisions.