Justice Thomas: Colleagues Questions Aren't Helpful

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas says the rapid-fire questioning from his colleagues during recent oral arguments over the nation’s health care law weren’t helpful to him in deciding the landmark case.

Thomas said the questions during three days of hearings over the law’s validity didn’t advance the arguments.

He said it might be the Southerner or introvert in him, but he thinks when someone is talking, others should be listening. His remarks drew applause during an appearance at the University of Kentucky on Thursday evening.

Thomas is known for staying silent during oral arguments before the high court. He chided his colleagues in general for badgering attorneys appearing before them. Thomas said most of the information sought in questioning is already in legal briefs.