Radio silence here yesterday because I was down at the Supreme Court for a good part of the day, watching my brother-in-law argue in front of the Supreme Court. The justices had eaten their Wheaties yesterday — they were quite feisty, with lots of questions for both teams of lawyers in both cases. I felt like I was back in law school, when I heard Justice Breyer repeat, “Just one case, counselor. All I’m asking is for you to name ONE CASE in support of your argument!” (That wasn’t directed to my brother-in-law!)
It was fun to sit in the Supreme Court Bar members’ section — our seats (which are *wildly* uncomfortable) are in front of the “bar” that separates the active court area from the spectators’ area. I became a member years ago, when I was writing a “friend of the court” brief in a discrimination case, and the member ship is good for life. Bar members, though, are under the same restrictions as the rest of the spectators — no electronics of any kind, no books, no magazines (all despite the .5 – 1 hour wait between being seated and court beginning.) We’re also expected to wear suits — I am fortunate to still have a couple in my closet!
Yesterday’s argument was notable for another reason: I finally heard Justice Thomas speak! No, he didn’t break his more-than-a-decade-long silence during oral argument, but he did present one of the two decided cases that morning. I am one of the relatively rare people who can say she heard all nine justices speak in one morning! (Other than reading the court’s finding on that one case, Thomas spent most of his time leaning back in his chair, studying the coffered ceiling. He also sent his clerk scrambling for briefs, casebooks, and a dictionary during both oral arguments.)
All in all, a fun, educational day! Now, we wait for five or so months to see if my brother-in-law prevailed!
Mindy, glad she’s no longer practicing, but pleased to still be “in the loop”
Mirrored from Mindy Klasky, Author.