We Need To Talk About Court Expansion
Summary
Host Kate Shaw interviews New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie on Supreme Court reform, addressing the Court’s historic low approval ratings and perceived disruptiveness. They discuss the “imperial” nature of the current Court, proposing comprehensive reforms including court expansion, term limits, and broader federal judiciary growth to enhance democratic accountability. The conversation emphasizes shifting political control from the judiciary back to Congress and urging voters to demand these changes from candidates.
Topics discussed
Texas 10 Commandments law and Supreme Court challenge
Introduction to Supreme Court Reform series with Jamelle Bouie
Historic lows in Supreme Court approval ratings
Public perception of the Court as unaccountable and disruptive
Critique of Citizens United and vague judicial doctrines
Proposals for term limits and court expansion
Phased-in expansion to prevent permanent political victories
Sponsor message: 3 Day Blinds
Sponsor message: Night First Amendment Institute symposium
Sponsor message: HomeServe
Expanding the entire federal judiciary to reduce bottlenecks
Justices' lack of public service ethos and paper hoarding
Historical context: FDR's court-packing and New Deal
Congressional authority to reform the judiciary under Article III
Call to action: Voters must demand judicial reform plans
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