Hyde-smith, Colleagues Reintroduce BILL to Penalize Supreme Court Leakers

Thursday, March 27, 2025
HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE BILL TO PENALIZE SUPREME COURT LEAKERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in reintroducing legislation that set criminal penalties for individuals who leak confidential information from the Supreme Court of the United States.
The
Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act
(S.1143) would impose a $10,000 fine and up to a 10-year prison sentence on those who leak confidential information from the Supreme Court.  Additionally, the measure would authorize the seizure of profits derived from the leak, which could include book deals or cable television contributor contracts.
“Supreme Court justices must be able to carry out their responsibilities without the threat of their every action being leaked, whether to influence, embarrass, or threaten them.  Such actions, which we’ve seen in recent years, only undermine public trust and the Supreme Court as an institution,”
Senator Hyde-Smith said.
“This legislation is needed to establish significant criminal penalties and fines for those who cross that line and betray the Court.”
“Supreme Court leaks should be a criminal offense.  Leakers threaten the safety of justices, damage the Court’s reputation, and put lives at risk,”
said Dr. Cassidy.
“They must be held accountable, not celebrated.”
“Individuals who aim to undermine the highest Court in our nation and intimidate its justices should be held accountable for their actions,”
said Senator Blackburn.
“The Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act is a vital piece of legislation, which would ensure that the Court’s work remains free from unwanted outside interference by cracking down on those who leak confidential information.”
S.1143
would criminalize leaks of the following information:
Internal notes on cases heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Any communication between the Chief Justice or an associate justice and an employee or officer of the Supreme Court on a matter pending before the Supreme Court.
A draft opinion or a final opinion prior to the date on which such opinion is released to the public.
Personal information of the chief justice or an associate justice that is not otherwise legally available to the public.
Any other information designated to be confidential by the chief justice.
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