On Friday, Clarence Thomas, who serves on the U.S. Supreme Court, was hospitalized in Washington upon as he began experiencing symptoms characteristic of the flu. Per the Supreme Court, Thomas was diagnosed with an infection shortly after his admission.
The conservative Supreme Court Justice, who is 73 years old, is currently being treated with various antibiotics via IV, which has reportedly mitigated the worst elements of his symptoms.
It is expected for Thomas to be released from Siblet Memorial Hospital within the next couple of days, per an official statement from the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court will be in session once more on Monday, though Thomas will still be able to contribute to the discussion and consideration of cases despite his hospitalization. Specifically, Thomas will make use of audio, transcripts, and briefs of oral arguments in order to begin reflecting upon his decision.
Earlier in the year, a representative for the Supreme Court announced that all nine justices serving on the Supreme Court have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and all nine justices have also received a booster against COVID.
The Court also clarified that Thomas has not been diagnosed with COVID.
Thomas is one of only two black men to have served on the U.S. Supreme Court. A long-term conservative, he is presently one of the longest-serving justices in the Court.
Thomas ascended to the Supreme Court in 1991 after being nominated by former President George H. W. Bush. He filled the vacancy of Thurgood Marshall, who was the first black justice to serve on the highest court in the United States.
At the start of the week, hearings will commence for Kentanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court. A federal appellate judge, Jackson will become the first black woman to serve on the highest court in the United States.
