Thomas, Scalia Report Big Book Earnings In 2008

MARK SHERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Clarence Thomas took in more than $300,000 in royalties for his autobiography last year, far more than he earned as a member of the Supreme Court. Justice Antonin Scalia received nearly $100,000 for his new book.

Thomas now has made roughly $1.5 million from "My Grandfather's Son," the 2007 book that traces his rise to the court from his roots in rural Georgia.

Scalia is the co-author of "Making Your Case," a book on legal advocacy that was published last year.

The justices' earnings from their books were part of annual financial disclosures released Friday. They show, in the main, a wealthy group serving on the nation's highest court.

Justice Stephen Breyer also reported collecting $54,821 in royalties from Random House, which published his 2005 book "Active Liberty."

Breyer, who has had to step aside from cases at the court because of his investments, also got rid of a dozen stocks last year from an investment portfolio worth anywhere from $2.5 million to $9 million. Breyer sold his shares in Bank of America Corp., Colgate-Palmolive Co., PepsiCo Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., and other companies throughout the year, including during the stock market's steep dive in the fall.