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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2002

Supreme Court Justices have their "minds made up" on a case before it goes to oral argument, Justice Clarence Thomas said.

Thomas spoke to students at the Kansas University School of Law on Tuesday. He said he makes his decisions on the briefs submitted in court cases and doesn't think rounds of questioning do any good.

"I don't see a need for all those questions," he said, The Lawrence Journal-World reported. "I think justices, 99 percent of the time, have their minds made up when they go to the bench. Also, there are so many questions you have to elbow your way in. I think it's unseemly for the Supreme Court to look like the 'Family Feud.'"

Thomas also urged students and others to read the decisions. He said the media has portrayed him unfairly because they haven't read his opinions properly.

The Supreme Court on December 2 will hear oral arguments in two breach of trust disputes. The briefs have already been submitted in the White Mountain Apache and Navajo Nation cases.

Get the Story:
Justice takes time for Q & A (The Lawrence Journal-World 10/30)
Supreme Court justice enjoys learning from law students (The Lawrence Journal-World 10/29)

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