Many of the questions they ask intentionally “play dumb” to reveal weaknesses in the parties’ line of argument. In many cases, arguments submitted by a party are subject to very powerful counter-arguments, so in these cases it is a popular strategy of justices to phrase the counter-argument as simply as possible, fling it at counsel, and see what they do with it. (Counsel for the other side will, of course, be treated just as harshly when it’s their turn.) In my view, it’s a more effective questioning technique than reciting learned treatises, because this technique boils the counter-argument down to the core of its logic, rather than offering parties wiggle-room to evade the central point.
I’m worried Clarence Thomas may be forced to retire due to overuse of his vocal chords.
So you’re okay with Thomas?
There really isn’t anything new for them to ask by the time cases come up for oral argument. There will already be a trial record of (at a minimum) several thousand pages, an appellate record of several hundred extra pages, the parties’ briefs and reply briefs, the amici briefs, and so on.
He’s saving his strength for his post SCOTUS gig on Fox Radio.
Oh, yeah, I can vouch that this is true for sure, because Justice Ginsberg is a caddy over the summer at our local country club. And Scalia is a lifeguard.
I’ve heard those question are the justices letting the others know the basic of their arguments in how they plan to rule.
No, he’s got a plan. He figures if he establishes enough of a reputation now for being quiet, he might be able to fool them when he dies and get a couple more years in.
Does anyone else keep seeing this thread and thinking “Superman takes summers off?”
“Why does Supreme court take 3 months off in summer?”
You’d prefer they do it in winter?
Ba-dump, pssssh!