The written code of conduct nods at the public pressure the Court is facing, but it can’t do much to change the justices’ behavior.

The Supreme Court published a new code of conduct for its justices Monday amid a congressional effort to impose one on the high court.

The Supreme Court is adopting a code of ethics, in the face of sustained criticism over gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices.

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 Supreme Court’s first code of ethics was released on Monday, Nov. 13 to limited support. The code was adopted to bolster the public’s confidence in the court after several months of allegations that various justices were toeing the line of ethics regulations.

The subpoenas are part of a probe into lavish trips accepted by Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito. GOP lawmakers stormed out of the hearing in protest.

Republicans walked out of the hearing as Democrats voted to compel billionaire GOP donor Harlan Crow and conservative legal activist Leonard Leo to testify.

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have voted to authorize subpoenas for two prominent conservatives who arranged luxury travel and other benefits for Supreme Court justices

Senate Republicans are encouraging Crow and Leo to ignore the subpoenas, arguing the Democrat-led committee vote to issue them was invalid.

The decision to try to compel cooperation from a leading judicial activist and a Republican megadonor came over fierce G.O.P. opposition and threats of retaliation.

Senate Democrats are expected on Thursday to vote on authorizing subpoenas to a pair of influential conservatives with ties to the U.S. Supreme Court as part of an ethics inquiry spurred by reports of undisclosed largesse directed to some conservative justices.