Silence: Assuming nothing out-of-the-ordinary occurs during arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in February, the New York Times reports that it will have been 10 years since Justice Clarence Thomas asked a question from the bench during arguments. Thomas has previously explained that he doesn't find it helpful to interrupt the lawyers with questions.

Thomas last asked a question on Feb. 22, 2006.

Judge charged: The Washington Post reports that former Charles County, Maryland, Circuit Court judge Robert Nalley is facing a civil rights charge for ordering a sheriff's deputy to deliver an electric shock to a defendant in his courtroom. Nalley retired in 2013 but was given permission to continue to serve on a part-time basis.