Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act of 2022

Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act of 2022

This bill makes various changes to the federal framework governing judicial ethics.

Among the changes, the bill

• prohibits federal judges and Supreme Court Justices from owning individual stocks and securities;
• requires the Judicial Conference of the United States to issue regulations restricting the solicitation or acceptance of gifts in connection with a private judicial seminar;
• expresses the sense of Congress that the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges shall apply to Supreme Court Justices;
• requires federal judges and Supreme Court Justices to report on each association or interest that would require recusal, including any financial interest of a spouse or minor child who resides in the household; and
• establishes a committee to review complaints against the Supreme Court.
  

Bill 117 HR 7706, also known as the Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing issues related to judicial ethics and corruption within the judicial system. The bill seeks to establish a code of conduct for federal judges, requiring them to adhere to strict ethical standards and guidelines in order to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a Judicial Conduct and Disability Act, which would create a process for investigating and disciplining federal judges who engage in unethical behavior or misconduct. The bill also includes measures to increase transparency and accountability within the judiciary, such as requiring judges to disclose financial interests and recuse themselves from cases where they have a conflict of interest.

Additionally, the bill aims to combat corruption within the judicial system by prohibiting judges from accepting gifts or other forms of compensation from parties with a vested interest in the outcome of a case. The bill also includes provisions to strengthen whistleblower protections for individuals who report judicial misconduct. Overall, Bill 117 HR 7706 represents a comprehensive effort to promote ethical behavior and combat corruption within the federal judiciary. If passed, the bill has the potential to improve public trust and confidence in the judicial system by holding judges accountable for their actions and ensuring that they uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality.