U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Bill Cassidy, and Cindy Hyde-Smith have reintroduced the Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act, a legislative proposal aimed at criminalizing the leakage of confidential information from the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Individuals who aim to undermine the highest Court in our nation and intimidate its justices should be held accountable for their actions,” stated Senator Blackburn. She emphasized the importance of the legislation in maintaining the Court’s independence from external influences.
Dr. Cassidy, co-sponsor of the bill, expressed concern about the potential consequences of such leaks. “Supreme Court leaks should be a criminal offense. Leakers threaten the safety of justices, damage the Court’s reputation, and put lives at risk,” he said. According to Cassidy, measures need to be taken to ensure accountability.
Senator Hyde-Smith highlighted the legislation’s role in protecting the justices’ ability to perform their duties without fear. “Supreme Court justices must be able to carry out their responsibilities without the threat of their every action being leaked, whether to influence, embarrass, or threaten them,” she asserted. Hyde-Smith pointed out that recent leaks have eroded public confidence in the Court as an institution and stressed the importance of establishing penalties for such actions.
The proposed Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act introduces a $10,000 fine and up to a 10-year prison sentence for those responsible for leaking confidential Supreme Court information. Additionally, it allows for the seizure of any profits made from such leaks, including potential proceeds from book deals or media contributions.
The scope of the Act includes internal notes on Supreme Court cases, communications between justices and court employees, unpublished draft opinions, personal information of the justices not available to the public, and any other information deemed confidential by the chief justice.
