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

By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is adopting its first code of ethics, in the face of sustained criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices. The policy was issued by the court Monday. The issue has vexed the court for months, over a series of stories questioning the ethical practices of the justices. Many of those stories focused on Justice Clarence Thomas and his failure to disclose travel and other financial ties with wealthy conservative donors including Harlan Crow and the Koch brothers. But Justices Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor also have been under scrutiny. In May, Chief Justice John Roberts said there was more the court could do to “adhere to the highest ethical standards.”