Key facts
- Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have significant opportunities to shape US law in the new Supreme Court term.
- Thomas, 78, has served on the court since 1991, and Alito, 76, since 2006.
- The court has a 6-3 conservative majority.
- Thomas and Alito were instrumental in past rulings expanding presidential control and limiting the Voting Rights Act.
- Upcoming cases involve religious rights, LGBT protections, gun rights, and voting restrictions.
- Legal experts suggest Thomas and Alito are interested in wielding power rather than retiring.
The new US Supreme Court term, beginning Monday, presents significant opportunities for Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to further advance conservative legal principles. Thomas, the second-longest-serving justice, and Alito, both in their late seventies, are seen by legal experts as being at the peak of their influence within the court's 6-3 conservative majority. They have been instrumental in major rulings that shifted the court to the right, including decisions expanding presidential power and limiting the scope of the Voting Rights Act.
Upcoming cases on the court's docket offer further chances for Thomas and Alito to shape legal precedent. These include challenges to laws concerning religious rights in public schools, LGBT protections, gun rights, and voting restrictions. For instance, the court will hear arguments on whether states can ban AR-15s and other semi-automatic rifles, an area where Thomas and Alito have historically been influential. Another case examines a Texas law requiring the display of the biblical Ten Commandments in classrooms, testing the boundaries of religious freedom.
Legal experts suggest that Thomas and Alito are motivated to continue their work on the bench rather than retire, especially given the opportunity to wield power within the current court composition. Professor Kevin McMahon of Trinity College noted their long wait to be in such a position of influence. While speculation about potential vacancies exists, particularly with upcoming elections, Alito has indicated he is serving for another term. His influence is highlighted by his authorship of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and his ability to align the Trump-appointed justices with his views.