[xzins]

I think there should be zero communication at all on the subject. The only way someone would know Thomas had “declined” would be if he said so. Otherwise, it would be a ‘no comment’

[semimojo]

Good point. Every justice has a personal opinion on every case they adjudicate.

We trust (in theory)that they can set those opinions aside when they rule, but in reality it isn't that simple. It tends to make us uncomfortable when they're vocal but I don't think it changes anything.