US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently discussed topics such as originalism and his Catholic faith during remarks at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.
Thomas emphasized the importance of respecting legal precedent, but noted that it should be based on something more substantial than just following tradition. He argued that courts should reconsider their substantive due process precedents to align with their country’s laws.
In an example, Thomas cited Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education, highlighting how precedent alone would not have led to a constitutional outcome in the latter case.
During his remarks, Thomas also discussed his own Catholic faith, which he initially left due to frustration with the church’s leadership but eventually returned to because of nuns who educated him.
Thomas spoke highly of his colleagues on the court, saying that differences in opinion could be affected by shared values and experiences beyond legal disagreements.
He previously taught at George Washington University, but stopped teaching after the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision due to “unpleasantness” from students.
Source: https://www.osvnews.com/clarence-thomas-discusses-originalism-and-catholicism-in-cua-law-event