On Monday President Bush nominated Clarence Thomas, a conservative black Republican, to replace black liberal Justice Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court. ; Now the question is to what extent Thomas would add weight to the court's new majority that appears willing to dismantle important parts of the legacy that Marshall helped to build. The nomination of Thomas is expected to be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and then sent back for further hearings before being voted on. Aside from his strong opposition to affirmative action, Thomas's views on other major issues before the court are unknown. Although Thomas attended Roman Catholic schools and studied for the priesthood and the Catholic Church vigorously opposes abortion, Thomas has apparently never taken a public stand on abortion or the constitutional right to privacy. If Thomas remains silent on these issues his nomination is likely to be confirmed.
On Monday President Bush nominated Clarence Thomas, a conservative black Republican, to replace black liberal Justice Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court. The nomination of Thomas is expected to be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and then sent back for further hearings before being voted on. Aside from his strong opposition to affirmative action, Thomas's views on other major issues before the court are unknown. Although Thomas attended Roman Catholic schools and studied for the priesthood and the Catholic Church vigorously opposes abortion, Thomas has apparently never taken a public stand on abortion or the constitutional right to privacy. If Thomas remains silent on these issues his nomination is likely to be confirmed.