Los Angeles Times

Robin Abcarian: Why is it that a journalist has higher ethical standards than a Supreme Court justice?

Why do some United States Supreme Court justices have such a hard time saying no? Believe me, I understand the temptation. Columnists may not be judges in the traditional sense, but we are judges in the court of public opinion. Occasionally, I've been offered gifts in exchange for a positive ruling (well, a positive column) on a controversial issue that may come before me. Attractive as these ...
Associate Justice Samuel Alito sits during a group photo of the justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 2021.

Why do some United States Supreme Court justices have such a hard time saying no?

Believe me, I understand the temptation. Columnists may not be judges in the traditional sense, but we are judges in the court of public opinion. Occasionally, I've been offered gifts in exchange for a positive ruling (well, a positive column) on a controversial issue that may come before me.

Attractive as these offers may be, they are just not that difficult to refuse. Especially when the institution's credibility — or your job — is on the line.

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