In an effort that could make even the most seasoned cynic chuckle, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin are introducing legislation to reform Supreme Court ethics (USA Today, June 12, 2024; Fox News, June 12, 2024). This move aims to tackle what they describe as a "fundamentally unaccountable and rogue" institution (USA Today, June 12, 2024; Fox News, June 12, 2024). Yep, the same august body that can’t decide whether or not to televise their sessions might soon be subject to ethical oversight akin to members of Congress.

The proposed legislation focuses on improving ethical standards at the Supreme Court and, critically, includes a $50 gift rule for justices, similar to the restrictions members of Congress face (USA Today, June 12, 2024; Fox News, June 12, 2024). This means that holiday gifts for justices could soon be downgraded from lavish vacation packages to “I Owe You” cards for a cup of coffee.

Reps. Ocasio-Cortez and Raskin have been vocal about the need for this change. They assert that the Supreme Court currently holds the “lowest ethical standards” among all branches of government, a claim that highlights the urgent need for reform (Fox News, June 12, 2024). To translate: asking Supreme Court justices to police themselves is like trusting a toddler not to eat the cookie right in front of him.

Their call for accountability comes amid heightened scrutiny of certain justices. Justice Clarence Thomas has reportedly accepted more than $2 million in gifts over the past 20 years, according to an analysis by the advocacy group Fix the Court (USA Today, June 12, 2024). Justice Samuel Alito has also faced criticism for displaying controversial flags at his homes (Fox News, June 12, 2024). It seems someone needs to remind Alito that not all flags are worthy of display.

Ocasio-Cortez elaborated on the current 'Scout’s Promise’ approach to Supreme Court accountability, emphasizing that the court's independence doesn’t mean it should be free from oversight (Fox News, June 12, 2024). It's akin to issuing a “pinky swear” that curfew won’t be broken and then being surprised when the car is parked in the driveway at 2 AM.

Beyond the scrutinized behaviors of specific justices, the broader goal of the proposed legislation is to hold the entire judicial branch to the same ethical standards as other government officials. Raskin and Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need for accountability and ethical reforms at the Supreme Court while highlighting the potential dangers of the court’s current unchecked power (USA Today, June 12, 2024).

The proposed gift rule would add a hilarious twist to the Supreme Court justices’ holiday seasons. Gone might be the days of lavish retreats, replaced instead by the likely influx of charming yet modest $50 gifts—think handmade scarves, quirky socks, or perhaps a humble gas station gift card. So, if this legislation passes, get ready for future memoirs titled, “From Luxuries to Lattes: Adjusting to Life Under $50.”

While the lawmakers’ motivations are serious, the implications offer a perfect storm of accountability mingled with humor. Should this legislation succeed, the justices might find themselves reflecting on their ethics just as rigorously as they do on their legal rulings. A new era of judicial propriety may dawn—complete with a potential surplus of tacky holiday gifts.

So as the Supreme Court justices may soon discover, being above the law doesn't necessarily mean being above the fine art of humble gifting.