Thomas Keeps Asking Questions as Justices Return to Courtroom (1)

Justice Clarence Thomas has asked the first question in all four oral arguments so far this term, a notable turnabout for someone who once stayed quiet on the bench for more than a decade.

Thomas’ more engaged role during oral arguments comes as the justices returned to the courtroom this week after a remote change in format in which he also participated more frequently. Instead of a free-for-all system, where justices jump in as they please, they took turns asking questions in order of seniority.

He hasn’t stopped now that the court has switched to a hybrid format in the ...