Summary
Justice Samuel Alito, a self-described Originalist, has been criticized for allegedly disregarding the Constitutionās text when it conflicts with his personal views.
Recently, it emerged that Alito accepted a knighthood from a European order, despite the Constitutionās ban on foreign titles for U.S. officials.
This title, from the House of BourbonāTwo Sicilies, raises questions about Alitoās commitment to American democratic ideals, which the Framers aimed to protect from foreign influence.
Critics argue that Alitoās actions reflect hypocrisy in his supposed adherence to Originalism and constitutional principles.
By the strict wording itās a violation because they absolutely style themselves as princes to a throne in exile.
Interesting issue. Does their belief in their right to power control? Thereās that crazy lady in Canada who calls herself the queen of Canada and issues edicts and whatever every now and then (somehow connected to qanon, I donāt remember the details). Could a US official accept a ātitleā bestowed by her, since she claims nobility and authority?
My recollection on the emoluments issue was SCOTUS punted in the same way they did with respect to Trumpās ability to run for office after the insurrection - Congress must declare the violation, and the remedy is presumably impeachment. So the practical effect is zero, since Congress would never take this up, let alone impeach and remove. Iād love if Dems did though, it would be fun seeing Republicans defend their justice receiving nighthood from some weird ass secret society thing.
That would be an issue for a court but it would be really hard to make the case that actual nobles bestowing actual titles in actual knight orders isnāt a violation.
It would be an impeachment regardless because the remedy is to fire them and thatās how you fire a SCOTUS judge.
Do they need to be recognized by the US as a foreign prince for it to count?
If not, could Will Smith āThe Fresh Princeā grant a disqualifying title?