Our Work

The Kohlberg Center on the U.S. Supreme Court was established through a long-term commitment from philanthropist and businessman Jim Kohlberg to seek reform of the Supreme Court. Staff at the Kohlberg Center will concentrate resources over the long term toward research, public education, and policy advocacy for Supreme Court reform. Among other things, it will convene scholars, hold public symposia, publish policy reports and research, and advance proposals for Supreme Court reform.

 The Kohlberg Center builds on the Brennan Center’s long-standing work. Among its areas of focus: 

• Term limits for Supreme Court justices, a vital reform to curb abuse of power. 
• An enforceable ethics code for justices, bringing the Court in line with other state and federal courts 
• Innovative new ideas including a streamlined mechanism for Congress to respond to misguided rulings and shadow docket reform.

The establishment of the Kohlberg Center comes as the Supreme Court’s public legitimacy has been undermined by ethics violations and as it concluded another contentious term. Public demand for Supreme Court reform is growing, including reports that President Biden will propose a package of reforms. The Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity from prosecution, coming in the wake of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, rulings on the Second Amendment and regulatory power, and a ruling ending race-based affirmative action in higher education, have further fueled controversy.

Seven in ten Americans believe justices put ideology over impartiality, and Supreme Court approval ratings have hit near-record lows, according to public opinion polls. Proposals to reform the court have broad support among Independents, Republicans, and Democrats. According to a recent Fox News public opinion poll, 78% of voters support 18-year terms for justices, including 68 percent of Republicans. 

We have reached a tipping point. Without crucial reform, the Supreme Court will remain unchecked, jeopardizing constitutional values and our democracy for generations.

About the Center

The Kohlberg Center on the U.S. Supreme Court was established in 2024 thanks to the philanthropy of Jim Kohlberg. The Kohlberg Center catalyzes solutions to advance overdue reforms of the Court by bringing together legal and policy experts, historians, and researchers to advance ethics and accountability and forge broad and bipartisan support for solutions to strengthen this vital institution.

Jim Kohlberg is a businessman and philanthropist committed to protecting the sanctity of our democratic institutions. Inspired by his family’s philanthropy, Kohlberg has worked with and supported environmental and educational causes for decades. He is one of the founders of the private equity firm Kohlberg & Company, where he still serves as chairman. Kohlberg was previously a board member of EcoAmerica and served on The New York Times Company’s board for over 10 years.