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Racist!
GuardianAn amazing statistic has emerged from the US supreme court. There, just as in appeal courts here, judges test the legal arguments being put forward by asking the lawyers penetrating questions and making comments. Some judges intervene more than others, but Justice Clarence Thomas has established an astonishing record for taciturnity. In the latest legal term, he sat through 68 hours of oral argument in the supreme court without saying a single word. In fact, the last time he asked a question in court was in February 2006.
Since October 2004 there have been 218 hours of oral argument before the judges; Justice Thomas has spoken a total of 281 words, an average of about 1.3 words an hour. Contrast that with the gabbiest of the judges, Stephen Breyer, who has ac ulated 34,937 words just since January 2007.
When it comes to being a Supreme Court Justice Thomas is in way over his head. I'm betting legal clerks write his opinions too.
Racist!
He's far from the worst ever, but that's an impressive record.
^^Another racist comment.
In what way is that racist?
Be specific.
1.3 per hour. Is that even possible. Someone wake him the up.
I believe his use of sarcasm has escaped you.
I'm not sure he knows how to do that.
^^You really aren't sure of much. So don't worry.
I don't know that the proficiency of a Supreme Court justice is something that should be measured in terms of the sheer number of questions asked during oral arguments. Until very lately, oral argument questions often had very little to do with obtaining answers from advocates and much, much more to do with arguing points out with other justices.
Oral argument is a very interesting creature in the Supreme Court. I don't think that argument very frequently does anything other than cement already established positions held by the bench. I'd guess that oral argument changes a vote in less than 10% of the cases argued.
And Thomas is hardly alone in terms of his apparent indifference to argument. Chief Justice Rehnquist, in his latter days, would frequently stand up during argument and leave his chair and the chamber. Justice Scalia exchanges notes with his clerks and has them bring him books or other papers. Justices Kennedy and Thomas frequently whisper to each other during arguments.
There are many other ways in which one could question Justice Thomas.
^ interesting. Didnt know. Thanks for the info.
FWD, damn you with your reason and logic. We just wanted to hate on Thomas!
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