Justice Clarence Thomas makes Supreme Court history
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Justice Clarence Thomas became the second-longest serving Supreme Court justice, surpassing 34 years on the bench, second only to liberal William O. Douglas, and shows no signs of retiring soon.
- Over the past decade, Thomas has emerged as a leading figure in the conservative legal movement, influencing landmark rulings on abortion, voting rights, and the Second Amendment.
- His seniority allows him to assign majority opinion writing in key cases when Chief Justice Roberts is not in the majority, amplifying his impact on court decisions.
- Thomas' influence extends beyond the bench through a network of former clerks who have taken prominent roles in the Trump administration and federal judiciary.
- Despite controversies including past sexual harassment allegations and ethics questions over undisclosed luxury trips, Thomas remains a pivotal and consistent conservative voice on the Court.
