U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett expressed her support for the adoption of a formal code of conduct for the court during an event at the University of Minnesota Law School. Barrett's endorsement adds to a growing number of justices who have publicly backed an ethics code for the Supreme Court. Barrett stated that implementing such a code would allow the court to communicate more clearly with the public about its actions and demonstrate its commitment to the highest ethical standards. However, she did not provide details on what the code should entail or offer a timeline for its development.

The Supreme Court has faced scrutiny over its lack of a code of conduct in recent months. Reports have emerged about lavish trips taken by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, as well as questions surrounding the involvement of Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch in cases related to their book publishers. Investigative journalism outlet ProPublica revealed that Thomas had accepted trips aboard a private jet and yacht owned by GOP mega-donor Harlan Crow, while Alito had flown on a private jet provided by hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer. Both justices argued that they were not required to disclose these trips. In response to these revelations, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation that would mandate the Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct and establish procedures for addressing judicial misconduct. Committee Chairman Dick Durbin also invited Chief Justice John Roberts to answer questions about ethics principles, but Roberts declined and instead submitted a three-page statement signed by all nine justices, asserting their commitment to ethical conduct.

Justice Elena Kagan has also expressed support for the adoption of formal ethics rules for the Supreme Court, noting that the justices have been discussing the matter. However, she acknowledged differing opinions among the members of the court. Justice Brett Kavanaugh echoed Kagan's sentiments, stating that the court is actively working on addressing ethics issues to increase public confidence.

Barrett's remarks come as public trust in the Supreme Court reaches a 50-year low following controversial rulings, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and federal abortion protections. The Associated Press previously reported on justices engaging in partisan activities and using their positions to advance personal interests. The revelations have intensified calls for the Supreme Court to implement a code of conduct.

During Barrett's appearance at the University of Minnesota Law School, protests were held both inside and outside the auditorium. Demonstrators stood up and unfurled banners criticizing Barrett's stance on abortion rights and demanding that "people must decide their fate." Security measures were heightened for the event, with police and metal barricades present.

While Barrett emphasized the collegiality among the justices and downplayed the impact of gender on their perspectives, she did mention the camaraderie among the women on the court. Barrett recounted throwing a welcome party for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and hiring a Broadway actor to serenade her, as well as Justice Sonia Sotomayor's gesture of making Halloween candy bags for Barrett's children shortly after her confirmation.

Overall, the calls for a code of conduct for the Supreme Court continue to mount, with several justices expressing support for such measures. The court's ethics practices have come under scrutiny, and the push for transparency and accountability remains a key concern for the public and Congress. The development of a formal code of conduct could help address these concerns and foster greater confidence in the highest court of the land.