To Disclose or Not to Disclose — What is Required of a Justice on SCOTUS?

The breaking story of Justice Thomas’ trip with a ‘close’ personal friend on a personally-owned yacht to island hop is big new, or is it? Depends upon which side of the aisle you sit, it seems.

Photo by eskay lim on Unsplash

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been making headlines lately for taking trips with a wealthy conservative activist, Harlan Crow, and not disclosing them on his annual financial disclosures.

The issue has raised ethical concerns among liberals and democratic groups. Many are calling for him to disclose his trips with Crow and recuse himself from cases involving Crow or his interests.

But is disclosure required by law? And what does this mean for the integrity of the Supreme Court?

Clarence Thomas: When Will the Investigation Begin?

So, First Things First

First, it’s important to note that Supreme Court justices are not required by law to disclose their travel expenses.