Justice Clarence Thomas defended the Supreme Court’s overturning precedent in a recent appearance at Catholic University Law School. Here’s what you need to know about the justice’s defense of departing from legal precedent:

The precedent philosophy

Thomas explains approach to stare decisis using train metaphor:

The precedent standards

Justice argues precedent must be based on sound legal foundation:

The recent precedent overturns

High court has reversed several landmark decisions in recent years:

The upcoming precedent challenge

Court plans to revisit 1935 case limiting presidential firing power:

Read more:

• Justice Clarence Thomas defends Supreme Court overturning precedent, says cases aren’t ’gospel’

This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com

The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.