Summary
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas disagreed with the Supreme Court's decision not to hear a case about the Feres doctrine, which stops military members from suing the U.S. government for injuries related to their service. Thomas argued that the doctrine has been criticized and causes confusion, and he believes it should be revisited to allow service members and their families to seek legal help for harm.
Key Facts
- Justice Clarence Thomas wants the Supreme Court to reconsider the Feres doctrine, which was created in 1950.
- The Feres doctrine prevents lawsuits against the U.S. for injuries related to military service.
- The doctrine's interpretation led lower courts to dismiss a case involving the death of Staff Sergeant Cameron Beck, who died in a collision with a government vehicle.
- Clarence Thomas argued that the case should not be seen as service-related because Beck was off duty.
- Justice Sonia Sotomayor agrees with some criticism of the Feres doctrine and argues that Congress can change it.
- Justice Neil Gorsuch indicated he would have supported hearing the case but did not elaborate further.
