Conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Faces Alleged Unethical Behaviour
The controversial and scrutinized Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been hit with a series of serious allegations, indicating improper and unethical behavior. Democratic lawmakers are taking steps to investigate and address these breaches. Legal analyst Glenn Kirschner has commented that this is a “one-two punch” to Thomas, as this comes in the wake of Democratic Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden calling for an investigation into alleged violations of Thomas.
Articles of Impeachment filed Against Clarence Thomas
On Wednesday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez filed articles of impeachment against Clarence Thomas for a wide range of behavior. The allegations against Thomas include accepting gifts from billionaire Harlan Crow and not recusing himself from cases that his wife, Virginia Thomas, had an interest.
It is worth noting that it is highly unlikely that the articles of impeachment against Thomas will succeed in the Republican-controlled House. Nevertheless, these articles will further tarnish his image as a justice and bring into question his ability to serve on the Supreme Court without bias, prejudice, or conflict of interest.
Gifts from Billionaire Friend Harlan Crow
The acceptance of gifts from billionaire Harlan Crow and non-disclosure of these gifts have been a focus of scrutiny for the justice. Thomas defended himself, arguing that the gifts were “not reportable” and that he had sought out “guidance” before accepting them. Thomas argues that he has always tried to comply with the disclosure guidelines.
Accusations of Improper Recusals
Another issue lies in the fact that Thomas did not recuse himself from cases in which his wife, Virginia Thomas, had an interest. This is concerning, as this could indicate that the justice is allowing his personal interests to interfere with his judicial responsibilities.
Allegations Against Justice Samuel Alito
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has also filed articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, alleging that he did not disclose an expensive trip from a wealthy donor. Allegations were also made against Alito for refusing to recuse himself from cases involving the overturn of the 2020 election, citing his upside-down flag flying incident outside his home and flying of the “Appeal to Heaven” flag at his vacation home in New Jersey.
Alito has declined to recuse himself from such cases, maintaining that the incident does not constitute sufficient grounds to do so.
Call for Special Counsel Investigation
Democratic Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland last week, asking for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Thomas for potential ethical violations and tax laws. The letter alleges that billionaire Harlan Crow has donated gifts worth almost $1.6 million to Justice Thomas over the past two decades, with almost none of them being disclosed.
Conclusion
These are serious allegations of unethical behavior against a justice of the Supreme Court, and further investigations will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Clarence Thomas’s esteeme. As guardians of the law, officials must take their obligations seriously. Any breaches of behavior can impair public trust in the law and the judicial branch, and this case is no different.
Originally Post From https://www.newsweek.com/clarence-thomas-just-hit-one-two-punch-impeachment-articles-glenn-kirschner-1924791
