S.jres16 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices. (119th Congress)
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 16 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution to fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. The resolution requires a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years. This action seeks to prevent future attempts to alter the size of the Supreme Court for political purposes.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would constitutionally mandate that the Supreme Court consist of nine justices. This would prevent future Congresses and Presidents from expanding or shrinking the court size based on political calculations. The amendment aims to ensure stability and predictability in the composition of the Supreme Court.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Stability: Prevents political manipulation of the Supreme Court's size.
- Reduced Partisanship: May decrease partisan battles over judicial appointments.
- Public Trust: Could enhance public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary.
- Historical Norm: Codifies the current size, which has been in place for a considerable period.
- Equal Application: Ensures consistent application of laws by a stable court.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Flexibility: Limits the ability to adapt the court size to future needs or circumstances.
- Potential Gridlock: A fixed size might exacerbate existing ideological divisions within the court.
- Missed Opportunities: Future opportunities to reform the court's structure could be blocked.
- Increased Rigidity: Makes constitutional amendments necessary for any future adjustments.
- Undemocratic: Some may argue that fixing the number of justices is an overreach that limits future generations' ability to shape their government.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the amendment process. It requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. The proposed amendment itself does not conflict with any existing constitutional provisions, as the Constitution does not explicitly define the number of Supreme Court justices.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).