The Supreme Court says it is adopting a code of ethics for the first time

By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The new Supreme Court code of conduct agreed to by all nine justices does not appear to impose any significant new requirements on them. The code leaves compliance to the justices themselves and does not create any other means of enforcement. The Supreme Court disclosed the code on Monday, in the face of sustained criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices. The justices say the code largely represents a codification of principles they’ve long regarded as governing their conduct. The issue has vexed the court for months, over a series of stories questioning the ethical practices of the justices.