CC/1301: Is Our Supreme Court Trustworthy?

Cesareo Almaguer Mr. Ramos English 3 CC/1301 Is our Supreme Court trustworthy? In America, there are times when a criminal sits in a courtroom for committing a crime, sitting patiently and waiting for the judge to enact his final verdict, deciding whether the criminal is going to live or face execution. The criminal smiles, knowing the money he gave the judge before the trial will not go to waste. Moments later, the judge returns and rules not guilty, knowing he committed the crime and is guilty of all charges. Days later, he receives a letter from the judge and opens it, only to find four words written on it, “Thanks for the money”. Some judges who feel bound by no code and can interpret their own ethical decisions can change a person's life
This language not only critiques the current system, but also suggests a sense of neglect by justices, driving home Gertner’s argument that their behavior is a threat to the institution’s credibility. The urgency in her tone intensifies as she writes, “Broader regulation is needed.”(Gertner) This statement is both a call to action and a reflection of the core argument of the article—that the current system is failing and reform is necessary to restore the Court’s ethical standing. Gertner’s tone of urgency and alarm, combined with her clear criticism, drives her thesis that the Supreme Court cannot continue to operate without stricter ethical regulations, as its unchecked power risks eroding public trust. Through carefully chosen words and a tone that moves from critical to urgent, Gertner not only presents her argument, but makes readers feel the importance of addressing the issue immediately. Gertner’s credibility as a former federal judge significantly enhances her argument, allowing readers to place greater trust in her analysis of the Supreme Court's ethical