{UAH} US Supreme court justice hears case unaware of stock conflict

A seat was empty Wednesday when the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case with important ramifications for the power industry. Justice Samuel Alito didn't take part, apparently because he or his wife owns stock in Johnson Controls Inc., whose EnergyConnect subsidiary is a party in the case.

Six chairs over, Justice Stephen Breyer was hearing the case unaware that he had the same issue because his wife also owned Johnson Controls. She sold her 750 shares for about $33,000 the following day, only after a Bloomberg reporter inquired.

The case is the latest example of a recurring phenomenon: a Supreme Court fight proceeding under a cloud because of judicial stock holdings. Recusals and last-minute stock sales are fueling calls for the justices to shift into investments less likely to pose a conflict of interest, while underscoring the complications that can arise in a system that gives the justices broad discretion to decide when to step aside.

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-10-16/u-s-supreme-court-justice-hears-case-unaware-of-stock-conflict

Sincerely,

Brian M. Kwesiga