Dear Chief Justice Roberts,

As members of the legal profession, we attach great meaning to the words engraved above the entrance to the Supreme Court of the United States: “Equal Justice Under Law.” We have devoted our careers to the pursuit of this ideal, and we recognize that without it, the legitimacy of our nation’s legal system is at great risk. No one is above the law, including those entrusted with the power to interpret it.

In light of recent news that Justice Clarence Thomas has improperly failed to disclose financial gifts to himself and his family during his term at the Supreme Court, we believe that Justice Thomas has caused irreparable harm to the judiciary. He has broken disclosure laws, damaged the reputation of the Court, and abused his power. 

As representatives of the nation’s legal profession, we call for the immediate resignation of Justice Clarence Thomas. 

In addition, to ensure the rule of law and restore the public’s faith in the nation’s highest court, we strongly urge you to take the following actions: 

First, investigate potential non-disclosure of gifts and hold Justices accountable for any improper findings. As part of this investigation, require Justice Thomas to correct his public disclosures of gifts during his tenure as a Supreme Court Justice, and explore whether there were efforts to improperly influence matters before the court.

Second, implement independent ethics rules for the Supreme Court Justices and their families to both prevent further misconduct and also establish ethical standards for future conduct.

We urge you to take these actions to restore the integrity of the Supreme Court and ensure the proper function of the judiciary.

Respectfully,

Traci Feit Love 
President and Executive Director
Lawyers for Good Government