Thomas, Scalia Report Big Book Earnings In 2008

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, who reduced their stock holdings in prior years, did not report shedding any investments last year.

Justice David Souter, who is retiring in the coming weeks, liquidated his substantial holdings in the Chittenden Corp. when it was purchased last year by People's United Bank. Souter sold $5 million to $25 million in Chittenden stock and put that money into U.S. Treasury bills and bank certificates of deposit.

Roberts earned $217,400 in salary last year. The other justices made $208,100.

In addition to Breyer and Souter, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Paul Stevens, Roberts and Scalia all reported assets worth more than $1 million, even with the economic downturn.

Thomas added $333,334 in royalties from his book and another $25,830 for teaching at the University of Georgia, New York University and Pepperdine University.

Even with the added income, Thomas is among the least well-off of his colleagues. He reported a net worth in the range of $150,000 to $410,000, with a retirement account worth no more than $250,000 as his top holding. Justice Anthony Kennedy also has relatively modest holdings.