Justice Thomas speaks for 1st time in 7 years

Associated Press

Updated: Jan 14, 2013 3:55 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Clarence Thomas did something at a Supreme Court argument Monday for the first time in nearly seven years — he spoke.

But what Thomas said is not clear, other than he appears to have joked about Ivy League lawyers.

The argument transcript only records a few words. It quotes Thomas as saying, "Well, he did not..." Several justices laughed in response.

Louisiana lawyer Carla Sigler replied: "I would refute that, Justice Thomas."

Two lawyers in the courtroom said Thomas was joking about Ivy League law school graduates, although one said it was at the expense of Thomas' alma mater, Yale, and the other said rival Harvard was the butt of the joke.

Thomas hasn't asked a question in court since February 22, 2006.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.