Commentary: Justice Thomas' two attacks on basic freedoms

Twice in the last two weeks, Justice Clarence Thomas has written alarming opinions that call into question fundamental constitutional protections. In one, he disputed the right to counsel for those accused of crimes; in the other he called for revisiting fundamental press freedoms established more than 50 years ago.

Although these views are still in the minority on the court, Thomas' opinions help legitimize what would be a radical undermining of essential rights.

Few Supreme Court decisions are more central to our criminal justice