Supreme Court JusticeĀ Clarence Thomas, 75, sparked raised eyebrows over his whereabouts when he was absent during oral arguments on Monday, and the Court provided no explanation.

Chief JusticeĀ John RobertsĀ addressed Thomasā€™ lack of presence, according toĀ NBCĀ Newsā€™ Lawrence Hurley, saying that Thomas ā€œis not on the bench todayā€ but would ā€œparticipate fullyā€ in the two cases being argued based on the briefs and transcripts.

ā€œContext that may or may not be helpful: In the recent past, Justice Thomas phoned into oral arguments when he couldnā€™t attend in person, allowing him to ask questions remotely. He isnā€™t doing so this time,ā€Ā wroteĀ Slate reporter Mark Joseph Stern on X, formerlyĀ Twitter.

    • KnitWit@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      The Democrats have the senate majority so would be able to, but they probably wouldnā€™t anyways following the precedent of Dems not getting a Justice during an election year.

      • RunningInRVA@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        Joe Biden possibly/hopefully has another term. Obama did not. I think thatā€™s the ā€reasonā€ McConnell felt like the next incoming President should choose. I donā€™t think Biden would give up a chance for a pick ever, but especially not if he has another term he could serve.

          • Tolookah
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            7 months ago

            As opposed to next near, where itā€™s a non solar eclipse year. canā€™t use years with uh, non prime Numbers also? Democrats get primes, extremists get the rest (and primes)