We're all familiar with the various flavors of political corruption that sometimes make headlines in local, state and federal government.
Outright corruption – taking bribes, for example, is relatively rare (and far less common today than in the early days of the Republic).
But what about softer forms of corruption – the sort that don't cross bright legal lines but raise enormous ethical questions? The U.S. Supreme Court finds itself with just such a problem right now.
The issue is the Supreme Court Historical Society – a nonprofit that helps preserve court history and educate the public on the court's role in our civic life. Like nonprofits everywhere, it raises money for its operations. In this case, a lot comes from lawyers, law firms and others. Many of whom happen to have cases before the court.
The New York Times reports:
At least $6.4 million — or 60 percent [of the Society's funding]— came from corporations, special interest groups, or lawyers and firms that argued cases before the court, according to an analysis of archived historical society newsletters and publicly available records that detail grants given to the society by foundations. Of that, at least $4.7 million came from individuals or entities in years when they had an interest in a pending federal court case on appeal or at the high court, records show.
The donors include corporations like Chevron, which gave while embroiled in a 2021 Supreme Court case involving efforts by cities to hold the oil company accountable for its role in global warming. Veteran Supreme Court litigators gave while representing clients before the court that included Tyson Foods and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China.
There's a lot more at the link – including denials that support for the Society in any way affects the relationship between justices and the lawyers arguing cases before them.
Fair enough and, to be fair, there's no indication of bad or questionable behavior.
But as with so much in official Washington, it's what is legal that is more horrifying than what is against the law. Appearances matter. Set, setting context…they all matter for an institution whose standing has slipped to historical lows.
In other words, like Caesar's wife, the court must not only be free of suspicion, but be publicly seen to be free of it, too.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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How DC works: Corruption via Dems since Dems run city
DC is a corrupt entity run by a secret organization from the 2nd world war. you either play their game or they will destroy you. they want DC to be a state so they can control the nation.
“Outright corruption – taking bribes, for example, is relatively rare (and far less common today than in the early days of the Republic).”
You’ve got to be kidding? Biden alone has accepted bribes from China, Russia, Ukraine, and so many more. How do you think the vast majority of Congress members became multi-millionaires while ‘serving’? Ever heard of the Clinton Global Initiative? I could go on for pages. So could many of your other readers.