Background And Appointment

Clarence Thomas: A Controversial and Influential Supreme Court Justice

Background and Appointment

Clarence Thomas was born on June 23, 1948. He is an American lawyer and jurist who serves as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Thomas was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. His appointment was controversial due to allegations of sexual harassment made against him by law professor Anita Hill.

Despite the allegations, Thomas was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 52-48.

Supreme Court Tenure

Thomas has been a consistent conservative voice on the Supreme Court. He has been a strong supporter of states' rights and has supported limits on federal government power. Thomas has also been a vocal critic of affirmative action and has opposed same-sex marriage.

In recent years, Thomas has become increasingly outspoken in his dissents. He has often argued that the Court is too quick to strike down laws passed by elected bodies. He has also criticized the Court for its use of foreign law in its decisions.

Legacy

Thomas is a controversial figure, but he is also one of the most influential justices on the Supreme Court. His opinions have shaped American law on issues ranging from abortion to voting rights. Thomas is likely to continue to be a controversial figure for years to come.