Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was notably absent from oral arguments on Monday, without any explanation from the court. Despite this, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Thomas would still participate in the day’s cases through transcripts and briefs.
Thomas, who is 75 years old and the eldest member of the court, is a prominent member of the conservative bloc. Business Insider has reached out to the Supreme Court for further information regarding Thomas’ absence.
In the past, Thomas has faced scrutiny for not disclosing luxury vacations funded by billionaire Harlan Crow. Although Thomas claimed he was advised he didn’t need to report such hospitality, the issue raised questions about judicial transparency and ethics. Despite these controversies, Thomas remains one of the most influential members of the Supreme Court, particularly within the conservative wing of the court.
