Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was missing from oral arguments on Monday without an explanation from the court.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said Justice Thomas would not be taking part before the arguments began at 10 a.m. He said the senior justice would participate in the cases using transcripts and briefs, suggesting recusal wasn’t the reason for the absence.
A transcript of one of the oral arguments that was released to reporters after the hearing did not mention Justice Thomas’ absence or give any details.
A spokesperson from the court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Justice Thomas, the most senior Republican appointee on the bench, missed a few arguments in 2022 when he had an infection.
Monday’s two cases included a dispute over corruption and another one concerning the Fourth Amendment.
Justice Thomas, 75, was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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