Page 21 - Pierce County Lawyer - March April 2025

Anyway, Thapar’s book is a quick and easy read. Unlike
yours truly, Thapar writes concisely, plainly, and without
condescension. He simplifies complex arguments, and like
any fine jurist, leaves the audience feeling that the conclusions
drawn are self-evident. There is no mistaking that Thapar
is a rock-ribbed conservative. But in this book at least, it
is the tasteful kind of conservatism: sure, every mention
of government is preceded by the adjective ‘BIG’, but there
is no use of the word ‘woke.’ His growing reputation as a
heavyweight in the movement is deserved.
The central argument of “The People’s Justice” was not
persuasive to me. Thomas is obviously “The Justice” for some
people - gun owners, death penalty advocates, niche Christian
communities, niche academics, bored billionaires, etc. But a
Justice for the people?
More convincing was the argument that Thomas is a genuinely
kind individual and a fun guy! But I don’t think that was ever
in doubt - considering that, by all accounts, his companionship
on luxury trips and at private resorts and exclusive junkets is in
the highest of demand.
that was taken by Kavanaugh (Thapar’s resume did not benefit
from personal Kennedy connections).
I suspect the primary purpose of Thapar’s book (because it
wasn’t to educate anybody about Clarence Thomas) was as a
Hail Mary for another SCOTUS nomination. If the stars align
and Trump looks his way, then Thomas will retire and Thapar
could receive the glass slipper. That’s a long shot, though. And
he’s 55. And this isn’t 2018.
Thapar is almost too polished and too competent, and
he knows it. That may be why he has begun to endorse
more controversial opinions, like the 6th Circuit’s recent
upholding of a law that bans gender-affirming medical care
for transgender youth. The problem, though, is that we are in
a culture war and it has turned hot. Shooting up small flares of
provocation in the 6th Circuit will be immediately drowned
out by the shock and awe campaign waged by the 5th Circuit—
home of Trump’s later, more controversial appointees.
What Thapar misunderstands is that today’s politics is a nasty,
nasty game. Almost impossible to play for individuals with two
wolves inside, which Thapar appears to have, to his credit.
…
Sadly, my understanding of Thomas remains cloudy. I did learn
much about the author, though. Thapar is a first-generation
Indian American, former U.S. Attorney, and was appointed by
W to the District Court Bench. He was President Trump’s first
Appellate appointment in 2017 and quickly became a front-
runner for SCOTUS. He was short-listed for Kennedy’s seat
Rob Henry works for the Prosecuting Attourney's Office in
the Family Support Division. He has been practicing law in
Washington state since 2020.
Fraser Robinson Speir
Attorney Outsource
www.frslegal.com
bonnie@frslegal.com l 253.564.3669
z
Providing legal research and briefing support at all administrative
and judicial levels to the Pierce County Bar for over 25 years
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