Our Work
The Kohlberg Center on the U.S. Supreme Court was established through a long-term commitment from philanthropist and businessman Jim Kohlberg to seek reform of the Supreme Court. Staff at the Kohlberg Center will concentrate resources over the long term toward research, public education, and policy advocacy for Supreme Court reform. Among other things, it will convene scholars, hold public symposia, publish policy reports and research, and advance proposals for Supreme Court reform.
The Kohlberg Center builds on the Brennan Center’s long-standing work. Among its areas of focus:
- Term limits for Supreme Court justices, a vital reform to curb abuse of power.
- An enforceable ethics code for justices, bringing the Court in line with other state and federal courts
- Innovative new ideas including a streamlined mechanism for Congress to respond to misguided rulings and shadow docket reform.
Toward those ends, the Kohlberg Center launched The Benchmark to serve as a hub for Court news, analysis, and resources. From public opinion polls to commentary on rulings and reform proposals, The Benchmark features diverse perspectives from Brennan Center experts and outside scholars, advocates, journalists, and retired judges. They will look at how the Court uses its power, how its practices affect democratic stability, and how it can improve.
The Benchmark is also the home on our website for Major Questions, a Supreme Court newsletter from Brennan Center senior fellow and former New York Times editorial board member Jesse Wegman. Every two weeks, he shines a light on one of the most powerful and least transparent institutions in American government. Subscribe here >>
The establishment of the Kohlberg Center comes as the Supreme Court’s public legitimacy has been undermined by ethics violations and as it concluded another contentious term. Public demand for Supreme Court reform is growing. The Court’s ruling on presidential immunity from prosecution, coming in the wake of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, rulings on the Second Amendment and regulatory power, and a ruling ending race-based affirmative action in higher education, have further fueled controversy.
Seven in ten Americans believe justices put ideology over impartiality, and Supreme Court approval ratings have hit near-record lows, according to public opinion polls. Proposals to reform the court have broad support among Independents, Republicans, and Democrats. According to a Fox News public opinion poll, 78% of voters support 18-year terms for justices, including 68 percent of Republicans.
We have reached a tipping point. Without crucial reform, the Supreme Court will remain unchecked, jeopardizing constitutional values and our democracy for generations.
