A symbol associated with protest movements was spotted at the residence of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, raising questions about judicial ethics amidst political controversy.
An upside-down American flag, often associated with protest movements, was displayed outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s home in Alexandria, Virginia, on January 17, 2021. This symbol was notably adopted by some supporters of former President Donald Trump, who contested the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. The New York Times reported the incident and published a photo of the flag.
Justice Alito denied involvement, stating that his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, briefly put up the flag in response to a neighbor’s offensive yard signs. The controversy has sparked discussions about judicial ethics, given that the Supreme Court is set to rule on significant cases related to the Capitol riot and Trump’s legal challenges.
The Supreme Court has a recently adopted code of conduct discouraging political activity, highlighting the importance of maintaining judicial impartiality. The flag incident follows scrutiny of other justices, including Clarence Thomas, whose wife was involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
