A power-hungry court.
Most people tend to have normal cravings; like a cold, refreshing lemonade on a hot summer's day, or a nice warm slice of pizza when the moment is just right.
It appears that the conservative republican majority of the Supreme Court is hungry for something else: power.
Over the course of their last term, the conservative majority on the Court made a series of disastrous decisions that massively expanded corporate power in America and undermined the federal government's ability to hold corporations accountable.
Who benefits from an elected administration losing the ability to set their regulatory agenda? Why, our un-elected friends on the bench, of course! Here's how they've been gobbling up power this term:
- SEC v. Jarkesy - Creates massive roadblocks for the SEC's ability to impose civil penalties for securities fraud through the requirement of full jury trials instead of administrative hearings, ensuring that corporate accountability becomes a question of resources instead of justice.
- Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo - Overturns a foundational legal doctrine called Chevron Deference, which tells judges to defer to federal agencies in their interpretation of ambiguous statutes when making regulatory decisions. In other words, the Court thinks that John Roberts is a better judge of the acceptable amount of chemicals in your water than a scientist.
Apparently, when it comes to gutting the administrative and regulatory state, the Supreme Court is an all-powerful entity, capable of willing any changes they want into law. But, when it comes to progressive priorities like student debt cancellation, which would improve the lives of millions, the Court insists they have no authority.
Yours in the fight,
Jim
