Gorsuch Comments On Proposal
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch recently made some interesting remarks during an interview with Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday.”
When asked about President Biden’s proposals to overhaul the Supreme Court, Gorsuch chose to stay largely silent on the political aspects, given that we’re in a presidential election year. However, he did share a brief but pointed message about the importance of an independent judiciary.
Gorsuch emphasized that the judiciary is crucial, especially when individuals find themselves under intense scrutiny or government pressure. He posed a rhetorical question, asking, “Don’t you want a ferociously independent judge and a jury of your peers to make those decisions? Isn’t that your right as an American?” His underlying message was clear: the independence of the judiciary is something that should be carefully preserved.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been advocating for significant changes to the Supreme Court, including imposing term limits and a code of conduct for justices. They’ve also been working on proposals to limit presidential immunity. These ideas have sparked much debate, particularly around how they might affect the balance of power and the role of the judiciary in American democracy.
During the interview, Gorsuch also touched on another issue that he feels strongly about: the overwhelming number of laws in the United States. He argued that the sheer volume of laws can lead to confusion and unintended violations by ordinary citizens who are simply trying to go about their lives.
Gorsuch, who co-authored the book “Overruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law,” pointed out that too many laws make it hard for both the public and the government to keep up.
He illustrated his point with an example from the IRS hotline, where for a period, incorrect information was being given about a third of the time. Gorsuch explained that this was because the tax code had become so complex that even government employees struggled to provide accurate answers. This example highlights his concern that an overly complex legal system can have real and negative impacts on people.
Gorsuch also addressed how he approaches conflicts between the judiciary and other branches of government. His answer was simple and direct: “The answer is the Constitution.” He stressed the importance of Americans being able to trust one another and suggested that not every problem needs to be solved by a distant government.
Citing his retired colleague, Justice Stephen Breyer, Gorsuch noted, “If I listen to almost anyone talk for long enough, I’m gonna find something they say that we can agree on.” This sentiment is a reminder that common ground can often be found, even in a divided society.