Reps. Weiner and Murphy: Force Politicized Supremes to Recuse Themselves

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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/reps-weiner-and-murphy-force-politicized-supremes-to-recuse-themselves.php?ref=fpi

Taking up progressive complaints that the Supreme Court has become dangerously politicized, Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) are introducing legislation that could require justices to recuse themselves in certain cases.

"The problem is the only person who can decide whether Justice Thomas can recuse himself is Justice Thomas," Murphy told reporters at a press conference outside the Capitol. "That's wrong and that needs to change."

The bill would allow the Judicial Conference, which determines standards of recusal for federal judges, to examine Supreme Court members as well and create guidelines for determining a conflict of interest. They could even force members to step down from certain cases if they determined a procedure for such a move. The bill would also require members to offer an explanation if they decide to recuse themselves voluntarily as to why they declined to judge a case.

(snip)
"When Justice Thomas gives a speech just this weekend where he essentially says I agree with my wife and what she said about health care reform, it should give us all pause," he told reporters. "He should clearly recuse himself and hopefully when Congressman Murphy's legislation becomes law we will have a process whereby the other justices can say, 'You know what, Justice Thomas? It just doesn't look right that you're dealing with this case.'"