Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was absent from the court’s session on April 15.
On Monday, Justice Thomas was not present on the bench as the other eight justices heard arguments, and no explanation was provided for his absence.
Chief Justice John Roberts made note of Justice Thomas’s absence as arguments began for the first of two cases before the court, though no explanation was offered. However, Justice Roberts did say that Justice Thomas would “participate fully” in the cases by using the written legal briefs and the transcripts of the arguments.
The court did not provide any information in response to inquiries about his absence.
The court often gives a reason for a justice’s absence, including when a justice is ill.
Justice Thomas, 75, is the oldest justice in addition to being the justice that has served the longest. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.
Justice Thomas was hospitalized on March 18, 2022, but the court did not reveal this until two days later. He was released after a week. According to the court, he had been diagnosed with an infection after experiencing flu-like symptoms and was treated with intravenous antibiotics.
The court specified that Justice Thomas did not have COVID-19. All the justices have received COVID-19 vaccines.
Justice Thomas missed multiple days of oral arguments due to being hospitalized.
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