Clarence Thomas on Judicial Grandstanding
Via How Appealing, the Associated Press reports on a speech by Justice Clarence Thomas where he criticizes his fellow Supreme Court justices for making too much noise during oral arguments:
Thomas—who hasn't asked a lawyer a question during arguments in nearly four years—said he and the other eight justices virtually always know where they stand on a case by reading legal briefs before oral arguments.
"So why do you beat up on people if you already know? I don't know, because I don't beat up on 'em. I refuse to participate. I don't like it, so I don't do it," Thomas said during an appearance before law students at the University of Alabama.
Thomas didn't name names, but fellow conservative Justice Antonin Scalia is generally considered the court's most aggressive questioner during oral arguments. President Barack Obama's lone nominee so far, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, isn't afraid to ask questions either.
