Clarence Thomas
Clarence Thomas is an American jurist who has served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991.
Clarence Thomas is an American jurist who has served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. He is the second African American to serve on the Court and has become known for his conservative jurisprudence and originalist approach to constitutional interpretation.
Early life and education
Clarence Thomas was born in Pin Point, Georgia, in 1948. He later studied at the College of the Holy Cross and Yale Law School.
Early legal and government career
Before his Supreme Court appointment, Thomas worked in federal government roles, including as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Supreme Court nomination and confirmation
President George H. W. Bush nominated Thomas to the Supreme Court in 1991. The Senate confirmed him by a 52–48 vote after highly publicized hearings that included allegations of sexual harassment by Anita Hill.
Judicial philosophy
On the Court, Thomas has been identified with conservative legal thought, especially originalism and narrow interpretations of constitutional and statutory text.
Key facts
- Clarence Thomas was born in 1948 in Georgia and attended the College of the Holy Cross and Yale Law School.
- He served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit before joining the Supreme Court.
- The Senate confirmed him to the Supreme Court by a 52–48 vote in 1991.
- He is the second African American justice in U.S. history, after Thurgood Marshall.
- Thomas is associated with originalism and a generally conservative judicial philosophy.
Clarence Thomas is relevant to Canadian readers primarily as a major figure on the U.S. Supreme Court, whose constitutional interpretations can influence cross-border legal and political debates.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Clarence Thomas?
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What Supreme Court seat did he fill?
How was Thomas confirmed to the Supreme Court?
What is Clarence Thomas known for judicially?
References
- Federal Judicial Center — https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/thomas-clarenceSupports: Birth year; D.C. Circuit nomination and confirmation; Supreme Court nomination, confirmation, and commission dates
- Oyez — https://www.oyez.org/justices/clarence_thomasSupports: Birthplace; age at nomination; confirmation margin; second Black justice; oral-argument demeanor; conservative reputation
- New Georgia Encyclopedia — https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/government-politics/clarence-thomas-b-1948/Supports: Swearing-in date; youngest member status at the time; second African American member; confirmation hearings; conservative judicial views
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clarence-ThomasSupports: Bush nomination; conservative legal philosophy; voting tendencies on abortion rights
- Wikipedia — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Clarence_ThomasSupports: Additional biographical details, including opinions written and Court service chronology
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/03/07/us/clarence-thomas-fast-factsSupports: Education details