Ethics lapses cost court public's respect

When one thinks of the Supreme Court, most people have an idea that this entity embodies the highest standards of the land. Additionally, one would feel that ultimate respect should be afforded to this court and its opinions because those decisions are advancing our country.

Unfortunately, the behavior of this court is embarrassing. As the news continues to be released of such bad decision making, such as justices accepting large personal gifts from an assortment of very wealthy people and not understanding that action to be inappropriate, one wonders why decisions from this court should be respected.

Also, when bad behavior and decisions are exposed, the defensive responses from some justices is very informative. This Supreme Court seems to be so disconnected from real life that they do not even realize when their behavior is embarrassing or separate from real life norms. They seem to be totally lacking in shame.

Proposals talked about for years that would impact the Supreme Court include an Ethics Code of Conduct and 18-year term limits. Both of the proposals seem like basic and reasonable restraints on a body which appears to have no understanding that their behavior is outside of expected norms.

Supreme Court justices are our public servants. They should be expected to abide by the highest ethical standards in both action and deed. It is what we should expect from every elected and noon elected public servant, especially those in an appointed life term.

Laura Davis

Inverness