Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas missed the court’s session on April 15.
Justice Thomas was not on the bench on Monday as the other eight justices heard arguments, with no reason given for his absence.
Chief Justice John Roberts noted the absence of Justice Thomas at the beginning of the arguments in the first of two cases before the court but did not offer an explanation. Justice Roberts did say that Justice Thomas would “participate fully” in the cases by using the written legal briefs and the transcripts of the arguments.
The court did not respond to requests for information on his absence.
The court often gives a reason for a justice’s absence, including when a justice is ill.
Justice Thomas, 75, is the oldest justice in addition to being the justice that has served the longest. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.