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HJRES 1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

119th Congress Introduced by Rick Allen and 2 co-sponsors

HJRES 1 aims to amend the Constitution to fix the Supreme Court at nine justices, ensuring stability and preventing future changes to its size.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HJRES 1

Summary of HJRES 1 - Proposed Constitutional Amendment on Supreme Court Composition

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HJRES 1
  • Title: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.
  • Status: Introduced in House
  • Introduced Date: January 03, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HJRES 1 is to amend the United States Constitution to establish a fixed composition of the Supreme Court, mandating that it consist of nine justices. This proposal aims to ensure stability and consistency in the Supreme Court's structure, potentially mitigating concerns about fluctuating court sizes and the implications for judicial independence and decision-making.

Key Provisions

  • The proposed amendment states:
    • "The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices consisting of one chief justice and eight associate justices."
  • This amendment would become effective once ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths (38 out of 50) of the states within seven years of its submission for ratification.

Impact

  • Judicial Structure: If ratified, this amendment would solidify the number of justices on the Supreme Court at nine, preventing any future changes to the court's size through legislative or executive actions.
  • Legal Precedent: Establishing a fixed number of justices may influence the court's decisions and its role in American governance, potentially affecting how cases are adjudicated and how the judiciary interacts with the other branches of government.
  • State Legislatures: The amendment requires the involvement of state legislatures for ratification, which means that state-level political dynamics will play a crucial role in the amendment's potential adoption.

Legislative Actions

  • January 03, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Related Legislation

  • SJRES 16: This is a companion resolution that may address similar issues regarding the composition of the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

HJRES 1 seeks to enshrine the composition of the Supreme Court in the Constitution, aiming to provide clarity and permanence to the judicial system. The outcome of this resolution will depend on the legislative process and the willingness of state legislatures to ratify the proposed amendment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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