Do Americans Support Restructuring of the Supreme Court?

Thank you for your question Jerri. As a Google SEO and an expert in legal and political matters, I will address this complex and often controversial topic. The issue of Supreme Court restructuring has been at the forefront of political discourse for some time, with a range of opinions and little clarity on the public's stance.

The Current State of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States has a long and storied history, but its structure and function have remained largely unchanged for over a century. Recent events, such as the scandal surrounding the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch and the broader discussions around court reorganization, have brought this issue to the public's attention.

It's important to note that many Americans are not deeply familiar with the nuances of the federal court system or the Supreme Court itself. According to polling data, over half of Americans can't name a single justice. This lack of awareness means that opinions on restructuring may be as varied as the public's knowledge on the matter.

The Public Opinion on Restructuring

The notion of restructuring the Supreme Court can take various forms, from adding seats to implementing term limits. However, public opinion seems to be divided, especially when it comes to the more radical idea of adding seats.

Adding Seats: The idea of adding seats to the Supreme Court, often referred to as "court packing," is highly controversial. Since Americans have become accustomed to the tradition of a nine-member court, any attempt to alter this configuration would likely be met with significant opposition. Following the disgraceful handling of Merrick Garland's nomination by Senator Mitch McConnell and the subsequent confirmation of Neil Gorsuch, any proposal to expand the court would almost certainly be labeled as "court packing."

Another recent article from the Brennan Center titled "Saving the Supreme Court" delves into the complexities of court reform. The article discusses various potential ways to improve the court's functioning without altering its number of justices. This approach, such as implementing term limits, might be more acceptable to the public.

Public Value and Respect for the Constitution

Americans place a high value on the Constitution and the principles it embodies. The idea of change for change's sake is often met with skepticism. The U.S. Declaration of Independence also notes that governments should not be changed for light and transient causes. Therefore, any discussion of altering the Supreme Court's structure must be approached with caution and a deep understanding of the potential consequences.

Conclusion

While the question of Supreme Court restructuring is a valid one, the majority of Americans are not likely to support it. Changing the structure of the court is unlikely to bring about the significant long-term improvements that some advocates propose. Instead, reform efforts should focus on improving the court's processes and ensuring that the institution remains a respected and effective part of the judicial system.