Justice Clarence Thomas, a staple on the United States Supreme Court bench since 1991, was notably absent from the court session on Monday, prompting questions and concerns about his unexplained absence. Chief Justice John Roberts briefly addressed the situation, indicating that although Justice Thomas was not present, he would still “participate fully” in the cases by reviewing briefs and transcripts of oral arguments.
This absence comes without the customary explanation typically provided when justices are unable to attend sessions in person. In the past, justices, including Thomas himself, have dialed in remotely to participate in arguments when facing illness or other issues preventing their physical attendance. However, this time, Thomas chose not to engage in the arguments in such a manner. His lack of remote participation and the absence of a provided reason have raised eyebrows among court watchers and the legal community.
The absence of the longest-serving current justice, who has often been a defining conservative voice in the court’s 6-3 conservative majority, does not go unnoticed. Thomas’s tenure on the bench has not been without controversy. In recent years, he has faced criticism over reports of accepting luxury trips, leading to scrutiny of the ethical lines between personal hospitality and potential conflicts of interest. Although he has said in a statement: “Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable,” the issue has remained a point of contention.
Typically the court discloses a reason when a justice misses arguments, even if it’s a health-related issue. Two years earlier, Thomas was hospitalized due to an infection, leading to his absence from multiple court sessions. Nevertheless, he continued to actively engage in the court’s activities. During this period, he contributed to the ongoing cases by preparing briefs, reviewing transcripts, and listening to audio recordings of oral arguments.
Justice Thomas’s absence occurs as the Supreme Court confronts a docket filled with high-profile cases that could greatly influence the legal landscape. Last month, Thomas faced criticism for joining the Supreme Court’s ruling to reinstate presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on primary ballots in several states. This decision followed Trump’s removal based on Section 3 of the Constitution, which prohibits former officeholders who have “engaged in insurrection” from seeking office again.
Many urged the judge to step down due to his ruling and connection to his wife, whose involvement in the previous presidential election has come under scrutiny.
Relevant articles:
– Clarence Thomas absent from US supreme court with no explanation
– Justice Thomas misses Supreme Court session Monday with no explanation, ABC News, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:33:20 GMT
– Clarence Thomas Missing Supreme Court Hearing Raises Eyebrows, Newsweek, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:50:09 GMT
– Clarence Thomas Mysteriously Absent From Supreme Court Arguments, The Daily Beast, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:42:25 GMT