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- Associate Justice Clarence Thomas on Monday was absent from oral arguments without explanation.
- John Roberts said Thomas would take part in the day’s cases via transcripts and briefs, per The AP.
- Thomas, 75, is the eldest member of the court and a key member of its influential conservative bloc.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was noticeably absent from Monday’s oral arguments, with the court providing no explanation for his absence.
Chief Justice John Roberts announced during the morning arguments that Justice Clarence Thomas would not be present in court. Instead, Thomas would participate in the cases by reviewing transcripts and briefs. (Source: The Associated Press)
According to the report, Thomas, who is 75 years old, did not participate in remote arguments. This option is occasionally used by justices who are ill or unable to be physically present at the Supreme Court building.
Business Insider has contacted the Supreme Court for comment.
In 2022, Thomas was admitted to the hospital due to an infection following the onset of flu-like symptoms.
Thomas holds the distinction of being the justice with the longest tenure on the court. He was nominated in 1991 by former President George H.W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate in the same year.
Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett’s appointments to the Supreme Court have significantly boosted Thomas’ judicial influence. As the eldest member of the court’s conservative bloc, he has seen his impact soar.
For over two decades, it was revealed by ProPublica that Thomas had been enjoying lavish vacations, all expenses paid by billionaire real estate developer Harlan Crow. Shockingly, Thomas had failed to disclose these trips during this entire period.
Thomas responded at the time by stating that he had received advice indicating that there was no need to report “this type of personal hospitality.”
