It’s About Time!
NBC News reports that Justice Clarence Thomas, after ten years, finally asks a question from the bench! In a case concerning federal restrictions on possession of firearms by individuals convicted of domestic violence, Thomas surprised everyone in attendance by actually asking questions of Justice Department lawyer Ilana Eisenstein.
Thomas has said in the past that he relies on the written briefs and does not need to ask questions of the lawyers appearing in court.
Perhaps the lawyers didn’t do as good a job on their written briefs as required. Or perhaps Antonin Scalia just thought more quickly on his seat and beat him to all the questions he intended to ask.
Regardless, it’s great to know a strong, conservative voice remains to ask important questions, filling the void created by the untimely death of Antonin Scalia.
RIP Justice Scalia.
Welcome to the bench Justice Thomas!