Judicial Ethics, Public Trust, and the Federal Courts: A Candid Conversation with Gabe Roth

In this episode of NYCLA Amicus Curiae, Dan Wiig is joined by Gabe Roth, Executive Director and founder of Fix the Court. Roth discusses the organization's mission to promote greater transparency, accountability, and ethical standards at the United States Supreme Court. Drawing on his background in journalism, media advocacy, and court transparency work, he outlines how Fix the Court evaluates the Court's institutional practices and public-facing obligations. The conversation begins with an overview of Fix the Court's core priorities, including media and public access to Supreme Court proceedings, proposals for term limits, the development and implementation of a judicial code of ethics, and concerns related to stock ownership, recusals, and financial disclosures by the justices. Roth then examines developments following the Supreme Court's adoption of a Code of Conduct, noting areas where limited improvements have occurred alongside persistent structural shortcomings. Particular attention is given to the absence of an enforcement mechanism, uneven recusal practices, gaps in financial disclosure, and questions surrounding public appearances and institutional stewardship. The episode concludes with a discussion of unresolved issues and outstanding questions raised with the Court regarding ethics guidance, internal review processes, and transparency measures. Throughout, the focus remains on factual analysis of existing policies and practices and their implications for public confidence in the judiciary.   Gabe Roth