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Strict Scrutiny ·Oct 1, 2026 ·47 min

We Need to Talk About Ethics Reform

Evaluation and Summary

7.2/10

This is the fifth and final episode in Strict Scrutiny's 'Hot Supreme Court Reform' series, focusing specifically on ethics reform for Supreme Court justices. Host Kate interviews Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, a nonpartisan organization advocating for judicial accountability. The episode explores what meaningful and enforceable ethics rules would look like for the justices, addressing critical gaps in current oversight. Key topics include the absence of an Inspector General for the judiciary, the lack of clear rules governing recusal decisions, and what structural reforms could improve accountability without partisan bias. Roth makes the case for specific nonpartisan reforms, though the show notes don't detail which reforms are prioritized. The episode appears to be part of a broader series examining various Supreme Court reform proposals, with this installment narrowing focus to the ethics dimension—an increasingly salient issue given recent controversies around justice conduct and financial disclosures. The conversation seems designed to move beyond partisan rhetoric and ground reform proposals in practical, enforceable mechanisms. The episode includes typical Strict Scrutiny elements: a survey for listeners, merchandise promotion, information about CLE credits available in multiple states, and promotion of a live event in Washington, DC. The hosts' books are also promoted.

Why this score: A substantive, timely exploration of a critical governance gap with a credible expert guest, though the show notes provide limited detail on specific reform proposals discussed.

Worth it if you're interested in Supreme Court accountability, judicial ethics, or structural reforms that transcend partisan divides.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.

Show notes

In the fifth and final installment of our Hot Supreme Court Reform series, Kate speaks with Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court . What would a meaningful and enforceable set of ethics rules look like for the Supreme Court justices? Why isn’t there an Inspector General for the judiciary? How are there no real rules around recusals? Roth makes the case for these nonpartisan reforms and more. Take the Strict Scrutiny survey . New Strict merch available here . You can now listen to Strict Scrutiny for CLE credits in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington, and Oregon! More info at crooked.com/strict_cle Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE on November 6th in Washington, DC: Crookedcon.com Buy Melissa’s book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader Buy Leah’s book, Lawless , now out in paperback Follow us on Instagram , Threads , and Bluesky For a transcript of an episode of Strict Scrutiny please email transcripts@crooked.com

Episode page

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