Associate justices have seniority in order of the date their respective commissions bear, although the chief justice is always considered to be the most senior justice. If two justices are commissioned on the same day, the elder is designated the senior justice of the two. Currently, the senior associate justice is Clarence Thomas. By tradition, when the justices are in conference deliberating the outcome of cases before the Supreme Court, the justices state their views in order of seniority. The senior associate justice is also tasked with carrying out the chief justice's duties when he is unable to, or if that office is vacant.
Associate justices have seniority in order of the date their respective commissions bear although the chief justice is always considered to be the most senior justice. If two justices are commissioned on the same day, the elder is designated the senior j.ustice of the two. Currently, the sen,ior associate justice is Clarence Thomas. By tradition, when the justices are in conference deliberating the outcome of cases before the Supreme Court, the justices state their views in order of seniority The senior associate justice is also tasked with carrying out the chief justice's d,uties when he is unable to or if that office is vacant.