S.1143 - Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act of 2025 (S.1143) aims to prevent unauthorized disclosures of confidential information by Supreme Court officers and employees. It introduces penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those who leak such information. The bill amends Title 18 of the United States Code to include a new section addressing obstruction of Supreme Court deliberations.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the confidentiality surrounding Supreme Court deliberations. This could lead to more controlled releases of information and potentially reduce public discourse on ongoing cases. It may also deter leaks, affecting the media's ability to report on internal court discussions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased confidentiality may protect the integrity of the Supreme Court's decision-making process.
- Deters leaks of sensitive information that could influence public opinion or create undue pressure on justices.
- Provides a legal framework for addressing breaches of confidentiality within the Supreme Court.
- Could lead to more measured and considered public releases of information from the Court.
- May enhance the public's trust in the impartiality of the Supreme Court.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential chilling effect on whistleblowing, even in cases of potential misconduct within the Court.
- Could reduce transparency and public accountability of the Supreme Court.
- May limit the media's ability to report on important issues related to the Court's deliberations.
- The broad definition of "confidential information" could be subject to interpretation and potential abuse.
- Could create an environment of secrecy that hinders public understanding of the Court's processes.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's constitutionality is complex. While Congress has the power to regulate the judiciary, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech and the press. The Act's restrictions on disclosing confidential information could be viewed as an infringement on these freedoms, particularly if it unduly restricts the ability of the press to report on matters of public concern related to the Supreme Court. The balance between protecting the integrity of the judicial process and upholding First Amendment rights will be a key consideration.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).