High Court Alters Argument Protocol, Says Justices to Take Turns

U.S. Supreme Court justices will have to wait their turn if they want to ask questions during the court’s first-ever telephone arguments starting next week.

The court said Tuesday it will deviate from its usual questioning practice, which at times resembles a free-for-all, and go in order of seniority when the court convenes Monday for the first of 10 remote arguments.

That means Chief Justice John Roberts will get the first crack at asking a question, followed by Justice Clarence Thomas, who presumably will pass, given his penchant for not speaking during arguments. The questioning will continue down the ...