Justice Clarence Thomas's 5-year silence: By the numbers

The conservative Supreme Court justice is making history by staying speechless for so long. Here's how his silent streak breaks down

Justice Clarence Thomas has not spoken during a court argument in five years, though he takes part in the justices' internal discussions.
(Image credit: Corbis)

The Supreme Court's return from its midwinter break next week will mark a legal milestone: It will have been five years since Justice Clarence Thomas last spoke during a court argument, a record unequalled by any other justice in recent decades. His "epic silence on the bench is just one part of his enigmatic and contradictory persona," says Adam Liptak in The New York Times. Here, a brief guide, by the numbers, to Justice Thomas's silent years:

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