02-22-2016, 03:06 PM
(02-22-2016, 02:57 PM)fredtoast Wrote: He had his mind made up before oral argument, so he didn't really care.
I'd say 99% of the time all the justices have their mind made up before oral argument, but they just like to play the debate game. Thomas just does not give a shit.
The Justices have already researched any questions they had after reading the briefs. They know the answer to the questions they are going to act. I don't think anything in oral argument changes anyone's mind.
Agreed on this. This is why after oral arguments you often have most of your speculation about how the decision will look. The questions they ask, and how they interact with each other, often tips their hand to how they are ruling. That decision was already made.
