ProPublica reports on an investigation of the Judicial Conference and its lack of enforcement of judicial ethics. The Conference is chaired by the Chief Justice. Previously undisclosed information has led to the conclusion that it has protected judicial perks rather than enforce accountability. The Judicial Branch undergoes the least oversight of the three branches. The Administrative Office that reviews judges' disclosure statements is purposely kept weak. The Judicial Conference has never referred a single case to the Department of Justice for investigation in 45 years.
In 2011-2, the Financial Disclosure Committee of the Judicial Conference refused to examine evidence after Clarence Thomas failed to disclose the source of his wife's income. She had received $700,000 from the conservative Heritage Foundation. An official appointed by President Clinton helped to kill this investigation. The reports on this incident are illegally kept from public view, and the Administrative Office routinely flouts public disclosure requirements.
Charlie Cooper
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