Supreme Court's Surprising One-Day Absence Mystery Solved: Find Out Who's Back!

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas resumed his duties on the bench on Tuesday after being absent from arguments in two cases the previous day, with the court providing no explanation for his absence.

At 75 years old, Thomas is the oldest and longest-serving member of the court and is part of its conservative majority, which stands at 6-3.

Initially appointed to the top U.S. judicial body in 1991 by Republican President George H.W. Bush, Thomas's absence from Monday's arguments was noted by Chief Justice John Roberts without a specified reason.

Roberts mentioned that Thomas would not be present for the arguments but assured that he would "participate fully" in the cases by reviewing written legal briefs and transcripts of the arguments.

The court did not disclose any additional details regarding Thomas's absence on Monday, which is usually provided, especially in cases of illness.

On Tuesday, the court was engaged in a significant legal dispute concerning a Pennsylvania man's attempt to evade an obstruction charge linked to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, a case with potential implications for federal prosecution related to Donald Trump's alleged efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.

Thomas had previously missed arguments in March 2022 due to hospitalization for flu-like symptoms and an infection diagnosis.