Justice Clarence Thomas did not attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court on Monday, with Chief Justice John Roberts announcing his absence without providing a reason. At 75 years old, Thomas is the oldest member of the court and its longest-serving current justice, having been on the Supreme Court since 1991. This is not the first time a justice has missed oral arguments but still participated in cases based on briefs and transcripts. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg missed six days of arguments in 2018 while recovering from lung cancer surgery, marking her first absence from proceedings in 25 years.
In March 2022, Justice Thomas spent a week in the hospital after being admitted with an infection, resulting in him missing several days of arguments. The court announced that he would participate fully in the proceedings based on the briefs and transcripts from the arguments. While Thomas’ absence from the bench is notable, it is not unprecedented for justices to miss oral arguments due to health reasons or other circumstances. The court continues to function with the remaining members and allows absent justices to participate in cases remotely.
Justice Thomas’ absence comes at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on important cases that could have significant implications for the country. The court plays a crucial role in interpreting the law and resolving disputes, making the presence of all justices important for the decisions it makes. However, the court has mechanisms in place to ensure that cases are still decided even if a justice is unable to attend oral arguments, such as relying on briefs and transcripts.
The health of Supreme Court justices has been a topic of discussion in recent years, given the advanced age of some members of the court. Justices serve lifetime appointments, meaning they can remain on the bench for decades, leading to concerns about their ability to fulfill their duties as they age. While justices are not required to disclose specific health information or reasons for their absences, the court typically provides updates on their well-being to the public.
Overall, Justice Clarence Thomas’ absence from oral arguments at the Supreme Court highlights the challenges that can arise when justices face health issues or other reasons for missing proceedings. The court’s ability to function with absent justices demonstrates its resilience and commitment to ensuring that cases are decided in a timely and effective manner. As the court continues to hear important cases and make decisions that impact the country, the presence and participation of all justices, both in person and remotely, remain crucial for the integrity of the judicial process.
