Summary
Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito did not participate in decisions on two cases. Alito's recusal seems to relate to his financial interests in energy companies, while the reason for Gorsuch's recusal is unclear.
Key Facts
- Justices Gorsuch and Alito did not take part in two separate Supreme Court cases.
- Alito often steps down from cases involving oil, gas, and petrochemical firms due to financial stakes.
- In Coleman v. Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., Alito did not participate, likely due to his stock connections.
- For Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, Alito stopped participating because of his financial interest.
- Gorsuch did not join in the Glynn Environmental Coalition v. Sea Island Acquisition case, with no clear reason known.
- The case involving Gorsuch was about federal authority over waters in the U.S.
- Supreme Court justices do not have to explain why they recuse themselves.
- There are federal rules that ask judges to step aside if they have a financial interest, but justices don't have to give reasons publicly.
