Clarence Thomas Quotes
- Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
- USA
- 1948
Clarence Thomas is an American lawyer and jurist who has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. He is known for his conservative views and originalist interpretation of the Constitution. Thomas was born in Georgia in 1948 and grew up in a segregated comm…Read More
Clarence Thomas is an American lawyer and jurist who has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. He is known for his conservative views and originalist interpretation of the Constitution. Thomas was born in Georgia in 1948 and grew up in a segregated community. He attended Yale Law School and went on to work in various government positions, including as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. In 1991, he was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the Supreme Court, becoming the second African American to hold the position. Some of his notable works include his opinions in cases such as Bush v. Gore and Citizens United v. FEC. Thomas is also known for his strong stance on individual rights and limited government intervention. He continues to serve on the Supreme Court and is considered one of the most influential and controversial justices in recent history.Read Less
Clarence Thomas is an American lawyer and jurist who has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. He is known for his conservative views and originalist interpretation of the Constitution. Thomas was born in Georgia in 1948 and grew up in a segregated community. He attended Yale Law School and went on to work in various government positions, including as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. In 1991, he was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the Supreme Court, becoming the second African American to hold the position. Some of his notable works include his opinions in cases such as Bush v. Gore and Citizens United v. FEC. Thomas is also known for his strong stance on individual rights and limited government intervention. He continues to serve on the Supreme Court and is considered one of the most influential and controversial justices in recent history.
8 Top Clarence Thomas Quotes
Clarence Thomas Career Highlights
- Thomas graduated from Yale Law School in 1974 and went on to work as an attorney for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the United States Department of Education.
- In 1981, he was appointed as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Department of Education by President Ronald Reagan.
- In 1982, Thomas was appointed as Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by President Reagan, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.
- In 1990, President George H.W. Bush nominated Thomas to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
- In 1991, Thomas was nominated by President Bush to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court left by retiring Justice Thurgood Marshall.
- Despite facing intense scrutiny and controversy during his confirmation hearings, Thomas was confirmed by the Senate and took his seat on the Supreme Court on October 23, 1991.
Key Contributions by Clarence Thomas
- Thomas is known for his originalist and textualist approach to interpreting the Constitution, meaning he believes in interpreting the Constitution as it was originally intended by the Founding Fathers.
- He has been a consistent advocate for individual rights and has often sided with the conservative wing of the Supreme Court on issues such as gun control, affirmative action, and abortion.
- Thomas has authored several notable opinions, including his dissent in the landmark case of Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
- He has also been a strong advocate for states’ rights and limiting the power of the federal government.
What Sets Clarence Thomas Apart
- Thomas is the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Justice Thurgood Marshall.
- He is known for his quiet demeanor and reserved nature, often remaining silent during oral arguments and rarely giving interviews.
- Thomas has faced criticism for his conservative views and has been accused of being out of touch with the realities of modern society.
- Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies throughout his career, Thomas has remained steadfast in his beliefs and has become a leading voice for conservative values on the Supreme Court.
Takeaways
- Clarence Thomas has had a long and distinguished career in the legal field, serving in various roles before being appointed to the Supreme Court.
- He has made significant contributions to the legal landscape, particularly in the areas of originalism and individual rights.
- Thomas’ conservative views and strict interpretation of the Constitution have made him a polarizing figure in American politics.
- His legacy on the Supreme Court will continue to shape the direction of the country for years to come.