Justice Clarence Thomas’s opinion that it is time for the Supreme Court to revisit a First Amendment precedent, has sparked speculation in some circles that he is preparing to retire, CNN reports.
The 70-year-old Thomas has urged the high court to reconsider the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan decision that found the Constitution creates a high barrier for public figures to claim libel.
His formal opinion touched off a whispering campaign among progressives that Thomas was getting set to step down from the bench, according to CNN. Some speculated it was his last salvo before he prepared to give up his seat to someone younger.
But those close to Thomas strongly disagreed. They find it difficult to believe Thomas would retire now that a conservative majority on the High Court has been established. They say his opinion more likely signals his effort to correct what he sees as the court’s past mistakes.
Conservative lawyer Charles Cooper said Thomas’ opinion on the 1964 case reflects an effort to target an area of the law the justice finds troubling.
"There is simply no reason to doubt that Justice Thomas will continue to raise his concerns about the correctness of the court's prior decisions, no matter how sacrosanct they may be in certain quarters," Cooper said.
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