Thomas criticizes Supreme Court majority for 'needlessly' expanding precedent in unanimous decision

Justice Clarence Thomas criticized the majority opinion in a Tuesday Supreme Court ruling that he says "needlessly" expanded court precedent on trial issues.

Thomas made the argument in a concurring opinion to a unanimous decision the court released regarding the extent to which a trial judge can restrict interaction between a defendant and his attorneys during a trial recess.

The facts of the case, Villareal v. Texas, relate to the trial testimony for David Villarreal, who was defending himself against murder charges in Texas.