Justice Clarence Thomas Faces New Scrutiny Amid Claims of Corruption
Ask Students: Why has Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas been facing scrutiny for his relationship with billionaire Harlan Crow?
Summary
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is facing questions again about his failure to disclose transactions with a Republican megadonor. A new report by ProPublica details a 2014 real estate deal in which Harlan Crow’s company paid $133,000 to Thomas and his family to buy the home where the justice’s mother lived. Geoff Bennett discussed the report with Gabe Roth of Fix the Court.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- Why has Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas been facing scrutiny for his relationship with billionaire Harlan Crow?
- When and Where did Harlan Crow buy property from Thomas?
- What are some of the other gifts Crow has given to Thomas that Thomas didn’t disclose?
- How should government officials respond to revelations about undisclosed gifts and payments to Thomas, according to Gabe Roth?
Focus Questions
Why might it be a problem for Supreme Court justices (or other judges) to accept expensive gifts and favorable financial deals from others? What rules do you think should be in place around gifts from acquaintances for justices?
Media Literacy: The guest for this segment is introduced as Gabe Roth of “Fix the Court” which is identified as “a group that advocates for court reforms.” What reforms do you think Fix the Court wants to see? How could you find out?
Extension Activity
As a class, visit the website of Fix the Court, the organization that guest Gabe Roth represents. You can visit this page to find a list of reforms that Fix the Court is advocating. Read through the list and discuss:
- What reforms do you agree should be put in place?
- Are you surprised that any of these suggested changes are not already in place?
- Who do you think should have power as a watchdog over Supreme Court justice actions?
The Supreme Court: Balancing the Branches Lesson Plans
Explore free, classroom-ready lessons on the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and the balance of power among the three branches. From landmark cases to today's biggest civic debates, Share My Lesson helps students build the background knowledge and critical-thinking skills to understand how government really works.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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