Supreme Court Justice (nominated by Pres. Bush Sr. 1991):
Clarence Thomas on
the Issues
Clarence Thomas on
Abortion
- Defining abortion position would prejudge abortion cases. (Sep 1991)
- Personally views back-alley illegal abortions as torture. (Sep 1991)
- Never discussed Roe v. Wade in law school nor since. (Sep 1991)
- Privacy is protected; no comment on application to abortion. (Sep 1991)
- Overruling previous cases is a very serious matter. (Sep 1991)
- Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided & should be overturned. (Jun 1992)
Clarence Thomas on
Budget & Economy
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Civil Rights
- Limit employer liability for sexual harassment by employees. (Jun 1998)
- Employee must prove negligence to sue city for harassment. (Jun 1998)
- Tension between affirmative help and undermining dignity. (Sep 1991)
- Reaching out to minorities is OK; but no quotas. (Sep 1991)
- Supports scholarships & internships for minorities & women. (Sep 1991)
- Hate crimes must be separate crimes, not just for sentencing. (Jun 2000)
- Miranda rights can be overruled by Congress. (Jun 2000)
- Boy Scouts may exclude gay scoutmasters. (Jun 2000)
Clarence Thomas on
Corporations
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Crime
- Balance victim’s rights with defendant’s rights. (Sep 1991)
- Due process in death penalty cases, but limited restrictions. (Sep 1991)
- Uniform sentencing guidelines have eliminated much disparity. (Sep 1991)
- Fleeing the police is reasonable grounds for a search. (Jan 2000)
- Shorten time between sentencing and executions. (Apr 2000)
- OK to lengthen prison sentences retroactively. (Mar 2000)
- Life-sentence alternative doesn't affect death sentence. (Jun 2000)
Clarence Thomas on
Drugs
- No tactile inspection by police for drugs. (Apr 2000)
- Treat drug roadblocks the same as drunk-driving roadblocks. (Nov 2000)
Clarence Thomas on
Education
- God in schools creates values; but wall of separation needed. (Sep 1991)
- Taxpayer funding OK for parochial school materials. (Jun 2000)
Clarence Thomas on
Energy & Oil
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Environment
- Can't sue polluters after they stop polluting. (Jan 2000)
- Limit CWA restrictions to navigable waterways. (Jan 2001)
Clarence Thomas on
Families & Children
- Grandparents get no visitation rights unless parents agree. (Jun 2000)
- Congress can't allow lawsuits by rape victims under 14th Am. (May 2000)
Clarence Thomas on
Foreign Policy
- Supported stock divestiture from South Africa. (Sep 1991)
Clarence Thomas on
Free Trade
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Government Reform
- Limited role for courts; narrow Constitional interpretation. (Dec 2000)
- Judges should not impose their will, but just interpret law. (Sep 1991)
Clarence Thomas on
Gun Control
- Felons may possess guns unless state explicitly prohibits it. (Jun 1998)
Clarence Thomas on
Health Care
- States cannot ban cigarette ads near schools. (Jun 2001)
Clarence Thomas on
Homeland Security
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Immigration
- No judicial limit on detaining illegal immigrants. (Jun 2001)
Clarence Thomas on
Jobs
- Public agencies can make unilateral rules for comp time. (May 2000)
Clarence Thomas on
Principles & Values
- People who stand up for beliefs are culturally intimidated. (Feb 2001)
Clarence Thomas on
Social Security
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Tax Reform
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
War & Peace
No stance on record.
Clarence Thomas on
Welfare & Poverty
- Public housing entitlements are good programs. (Sep 1991)
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