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Justice Thomas Urges Reevaluation of Legal Precedents

9/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Justice Clarence Thomas said settled precedents are not 'gospel' and should be reevaluated.
Speaking at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., ahead of October 6, he urged rethinking stare decisis.
He called some precedents 'something somebody dreamt up' and criticized blind adherence, using an orangutan driving a train metaphor.
The Court will review Obergefell v. Hodges.

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Story summary

Justice Clarence Thomas said settled precedents are not 'gospel' and should be reevaluated.
Speaking at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., ahead of October 6, he urged rethinking stare decisis.
He called some precedents 'something somebody dreamt up' and criticized blind adherence, using an orangutan driving a train metaphor.
The Court will review Obergefell v. Hodges.