Clarence Thomas calls out John Roberts as Supreme Court edges closer to overturning Roe v. Wade
There was a little-seen warm moment between
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas last November 1, just before the
Supreme Court heard arguments on
Texas' abortion ban.
Roberts announced that
30 years ago on that exact date, a ceremonial investiture for
Thomas had been held.
Thomas, sitting to
Roberts' right, beamed and slung his arm over the chief's shoulder.
That collegiality in the courtroom, filled with only a few dozen spectators because of
Covid-19 protocols, has vanished. The two justices are now engaged in an epic struggle over a new abortion case that could mean the end of
Roe v. Wade nationwide and unsettle the public image of the court.
Last week at a
Dallas conference,
Thomas took a surprising, public jab at
Roberts. Thomas has long touted the good relations inside the court and avoided public criticism of colleagues.
