By Bill Mears, CNN Supreme Court Producer
updated 7:45 PM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Clarence Thomas known for remaining quiet during oral arguments
- On Monday, he joked about Yale lawyers
- Current Supreme Court known as 'hot bench' for the rhetorical scrum during arguments
Washington (CNN) -- It was just a few words and a joke at that. But Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas broke his seven-year long silence on Monday when he spoke at oral arguments.
He made fun of lawyers from Yale, his law school alma mater.
Thomas has become known for rarely commenting on cases from the bench, another reflection of the complex and often misunderstood personality of the court's only African-American jurist.
On Monday, the justices were hearing an argument about the state of Louisiana's delay in paying for counsel for a death penalty defendant. Should that count against the state for the purposes of the right to a speedy trial?
Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)
HIDE CAPTION
<<
<
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
>
>>
A lawyer for the state was making the case for the inmate's appointed counsel, saying the woman was "more than qualified" and "very impressive."
"She was graduate of Yale Law School, wasn't she?" said Justice Antonin Scalia in apparent support, noting another member of the legal team went to Harvard.
The next words were hard to hear in the back-and-forth between the justices. But Thomas made a joke about the competence of Yale lawyers when compared to their Harvard colleagues, according to two witnesses.
Six members of the current high court attended Harvard Law School. Thomas, Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor attend Yale.
The official transcript released by the court does not capture the flavor of the colorful exchange. But the lawyer arguing before the court was apparently not pleased.
"I would refute that, Justice Thomas," said Carla Sigler, the assistant district attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The rest of the time, Thomas kept his own counsel as he is known to do.
"One thing I've demonstrated often in 16 years is you can do this job without asking a single question," he recalled in a speech five years ago.
Written opinions remain the main way the court expresses itself. But the current court is known as a "hot bench" for the busy back-and-forth rhetorical scrum during arguments.
Eight of the justices compete for time to make their questions and views known.
Thomas does occasionally speak from the bench when announcing opinions he has written, but before arguments commence.
Off the bench in friendly audiences, he can be gregarious, inquisitive and often self-reflective. He has a booming voice, and his hearty laugh is easily recognizable.
Some scholars have said Thomas' aversion to talking has reached epic heights.
A study of transcripts by Timothy Johnson of the University of Minnesota found in the past four decades, no justice besides Thomas had failed to speak at least once during an entire 12-month term.
The last time he spoke was February 22, 2006, during a capital appeal.
Part of complete coverage on
updated 1:58 PM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
"Argo" and "Les Miserables" were the big winners at this year's Golden Globes.
updated 5:06 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
VIDEO: CNN's Kristie Lu Stout and Hollywood.com's Matt Patches discuss the nominees for the 85th Academy Awards.
updated 10:31 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
Photos: Fashion at the Golden Globes on Sunday -- which outfit was your favorite?
CNN reports from Syria and Turkey on the human suffering of those who have survived the civil war, but now face further hardship.
updated 8:20 PM EST, Sun January 13, 2013
This is not worksafe. It's a hyperlink to Hiropon, the pornographic fiberglass creation of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
updated 7:44 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
The advance buildup has all been about Lance Armstrong as he prepares to enter the church of Oprah and seek absolution for his sins.
updated 7:47 PM EST, Fri January 11, 2013
Photographer Ronen Goldman recreates his dreams through photos.
updated 3:21 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
India doesn't do things small, religious festivals included. Over 55 days, an estimated 100 million Hindu devotees will go to the Kumbh Mela.
updated 6:45 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
VIDEO: Six thousand throwers participated. Organizers trucked in 162,000 pounds of snow in 34 truckloads for the throwdown.
updated 12:33 PM EST, Fri January 11, 2013
The fate of the Sri Lankan maid beheaded in Saudi Arabia, should spotlight the precarious existence of domestic workers, Jo Becker says.
updated 6:15 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
International leaders are responding to an uprising of Islamist militants in northern Mali.
updated 3:29 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
VIDEO: CNN's Nima Elbagir reports on wildlife rangers who risk their lives to guard Kenya's elephant population from poachers.
updated 6:22 AM EST, Mon January 14, 2013
VIDEO: CNN's Elizabeth Cohen has the latest on the flu epidemic and what health officials mean when they call it an "epidemic".
Clarence Thomas ends seven-year silence
This article
Clarence Thomas ends seven-year silence
can be opened in url
http://newsmawkishly.blogspot.com/2013/01/clarence-thomas-ends-seven-year-silence.html
Clarence Thomas ends seven-year silence
