Investigating the Ethics of Supreme Court Justices: An In-Depth Report by Big Big News

Big Big News undertook a comprehensive investigation into the U.S. Supreme Court’s ethics practices, basing its analysis on over 100 public record requests made to educational and other institutions that hosted justices in the last decade.

This report delves into the investigative process:

Big Big News reviewed local news reports, social media, and data from ScotusTracker, a website tracking justices’ activities, to compile a decade-long list of their appearances.

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In late 2022 and early 2023, Big Big News submitted records requests to these institutions, utilizing state laws mandating public document disclosure.

The investigation raised questions about how the ethics of the U.S. Supreme Court contrast with those of other government branches.

The requests encompassed a variety of information, including contracts, transportation, accommodation, event recording policies, and any discussed gifts or honoraria, including books.

Big Big News also approached over 100 private entities, including colleges, universities, and charities, for similar information. While some provided basic visit details, comprehensive data was scarce.

The investigation tracked the justices’ travel and benefits and documented the guests, including donors and politicians, at private receptions with justices. This was cross-referenced with federal court records, FEC filings, and other public sources.

A July 10, 2018 email detailing a law class in Italy taught by Justice Neil Gorsuch exemplifies the depth of the investigation. The research spanned over a decade and involved numerous public records requests to institutions hosting the justices.

Public institutions’ responses varied significantly. Some, like the University of Rhode Island and Ohio State University, provided information freely. Others, like George Mason University and the University of Kentucky, submitted extensive records.

McLennan Community College in Texas, for example, released over 100 pages of records and, upon payment, provided additional documentation. This included a detailed examination of a dinner event for Justice Clarence Thomas.

Multiple requests were often filed with the same institution to gather comprehensive information. For example, follow-up requests at the University of Texas at Tyler and the University of Mississippi were made to obtain guest lists and travel costs for events involving Justices.

Some institutions, like the Chicago Public Library, required legal intervention for document production. Others, like the University of Arizona, took over six months to respond.

While some document requests incurred fees, others were deemed unreasonably high. For instance, the University of Georgia initially quoted over $18,000 for two requests, which was later reduced.

Big Big News is supported by private foundations to enhance its democracy and elections coverage. This support does not influence editorial content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Supreme Court Ethics Investigation

More about Supreme Court Ethics Investigation

• Supreme Court Justices’ Public Appearances
• Judicial Ethics and Accountability
• ScotusTracker: Tracking Supreme Court Activities
• Public Records and Freedom of Information Act
• Ethics in the Judicial Branch: A Comparative Study
• FEC Filings and Political Donations
• University Responses to Judicial Visits
• Investigative Journalism in Legal Ethics
• State Laws on Public Record Disclosure
• The Role of Private Foundations in Media Funding