Staff Reports
Several liberal groups are urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to look into Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.’s conduct. They are concerned about his wife flying flags they believe are linked to the Capitol riot in January 2021. These groups, led by Demand Justice, also want Congress to pass a law that sets ethical standards for the high court and are calling for Justice Alito to step away from cases related to the 2020 election.
On Wednesday, a letter was sent to Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, asking him to investigate Justice Alito’s behavior and its impact on federal laws and ethical norms. The letter was sent on the same day that Justice Alito stated he would not recuse himself from any case based on the accusations about the flags. Mr. Durbin specifically asked Justice Alito to step away from cases connected to the Capitol riot, citing the flying of an upside-down American flag at his home days after the protest.
Liberal groups pressure top Democrat to launch probe into Justice Alito https://t.co/eZDkzZHf47
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 31, 2024
Further scrutiny arose from the displaying of an “Appeal to Heaven” flag outside his New Jersey residence, which critics argue is associated with the events of January 6th. Justice Alito has made it clear that the decision to fly these flags was made by his wife, and he does not consider himself biased in any legal matters.
A spokesperson for Mr. Durbin mentioned that the Judiciary Committee had already been looking into ethical concerns surrounding Supreme Court justices. Mr. Durbin’s office expressed a commitment to seeking accountability and transparency for Supreme Court justices.
Democratic lawmakers have labeled the flag displays as public demonstrations of political activity, which they believe violates judicial ethics. Additionally, they have asked Justice Alito to step away from cases related to the 2020 election. Some of these cases include disputes over former President Trump’s immunity from charges related to the election and an obstruction charge facing many January 6th defendants.
Despite these calls, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. declined a meeting with Mr. Durbin to discuss ethics concerns, stating that it would be inappropriate to meet with lawmakers from one political party. Maggie Jo Buchanan, managing director for Demand Justice, emphasized the need for the Senate Judiciary Committee to thoroughly investigate the actions of Justice Alito, given Chief Justice Roberts’s unwillingness to engage in a discussion.
The ongoing debate surrounding Justice Alito’s conduct comes as the Supreme Court prepares to make significant decisions related to the 2020 election by the end of June.
