Over the years, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has led efforts in Congress for judicial ethics reform, as well as raising the issue with members of the judiciary.  Leahy, the ranking Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, in recent years has called upon the federal judiciary to strengthen its own standards.  In the absence of meaningful self-regulation, in January he introduced legislation that would prohibit privately financed trips for federal judges and make it easier for the public to identify financial conflicts involving stocks held by federal judges.  

Below is Leahy’s reaction to the new disclosure requirements approved by the Judicial Conference today.   

Comment Of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
On Judicial Conference Approval
Of New Travel Disclosure Requirements
September 19, 2006

“The Judicial Conference today made great strides toward preserving the public’s confidence in our judiciary.  I applaud their actions aimed at improving how federal judges comply with their ethical obligations. 

“While judges are already required to review their financial holdings before presiding over cases, this new mandate from the Conference of an additional computer check is a long-overdue improvement.  This will enable all judges to comply with the law and protect the image of the courts as impartial arbiters of justice. 

“The Conference’s new travel policy governing the many private judicial seminars held around the world is another wise reform that provides much-needed transparency that will benefit both the public and judges themselves.

“There is no adequate alternative to transparency and openness when it comes to preserving the public's confidence in our federal courts.  We cannot afford to squander that trust because once gone, it is difficult to win back.”

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