October 26, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2023

John Adams Inquirer Launches "Judicial Integrity Tracker": A Deep Dive into Federal Court Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

New Database Feature Provides Unprecedented Transparency on Financial Disclosures, Stock Trading, and Recusal Practices of Federal Judges

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The John Adams Inquirer (JAI), the nation’s leading non-partisan platform dedicated to government transparency and judicial accountability, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking new feature, the "Judicial Integrity Tracker." This robust expansion of JAI’s existing federal judicial database offers the public and journalists an unprecedented, searchable view into the financial disclosures, potential conflicts of interest, and recusal histories of all sitting federal judges, from district courts to the Supreme Court.

The Judicial Integrity Tracker addresses a critical gap in public oversight. While federal judges are required to file annual financial disclosure reports, these documents are often difficult to access, interpret, and cross-reference with court dockets. JAI’s new system utilizes advanced data aggregation and machine learning to standardize and analyze thousands of pages of disclosure forms, linking specific stock holdings, corporate affiliations, and spousal employment directly to the cases over which judges preside. This allows users to quickly identify patterns of potential ethical violations, including instances where judges may have ruled on cases involving companies in which they or their immediate family held significant financial interests.

"The integrity of the federal judiciary is the bedrock of our democracy, and transparency is the only way to maintain public trust," said Dr. Eleanor Vance, Director of Research at the John Adams Inquirer. "Our analysis consistently shows that while the vast majority of judges adhere to ethical standards, systemic issues remain regarding timely recusal and the management of complex financial portfolios. The Judicial Integrity Tracker is not an indictment; it is an essential tool for accountability, ensuring that justice is blind to personal profit."

The launch comes amid heightened national scrutiny regarding judicial ethics, particularly concerning stock trading and the Supreme Court’s lack of a binding, enforceable code of conduct. The Judicial Integrity Tracker is designed to empower oversight bodies, legal scholars, and the public by providing the empirical data necessary to assess the effectiveness of current judicial ethics rules and advocate for meaningful reform. The platform is fully searchable by judge name, court circuit, asset type (e.g., specific stocks or bonds), and case category, making complex compliance data accessible to all.

Key Findings and Features of the Judicial Integrity Tracker:

Standardized Financial Data: Converts complex, handwritten disclosure forms into easily searchable, standardized data points on assets, liabilities, and income sources. Conflict-of-Interest Mapping: Automatically cross-references judges’ financial holdings with the corporate parties appearing in their court dockets. Recusal History Analysis: Tracks and aggregates instances of judicial recusal, providing context on the stated reasons for withdrawal from cases. Historical Trend Analysis: Allows users to track changes in a judge’s financial portfolio and potential conflicts over their entire tenure. * API Integration: Offers a secure API for journalists and academic researchers needing bulk access to the anonymized data sets for in-depth analysis.

*

---

About the John Adams Inquirer

The John Adams Inquirer (JAI) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability within the U.S. federal government, with a specialized focus on the judicial branch. Through data-driven research, public databases, and investigative reporting, JAI provides essential tools for citizens, policymakers, and the media to monitor government performance and uphold the rule of law.

Media Contact

Sarah Chen Director of Communications John Adams Inquirer Email: [email protected] Phone: (202) 555-0188 Website: JohnAdamsInquirer.org

###