WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Clarence Thomas has asked questions during a Supreme Court argument for the first time in 10 years.

Thomas’ questions came Monday in case in which the court is considering placing new limits on the reach of a federal law that bans people convicted of domestic violence from owning guns.

Thomas asked the Justice Department lawyer defending the government’s prosecution whether the violation of any other law suspends a person’s constitutional rights.

It was the second week the court has heard arguments since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, Thomas’ friend and fellow conservative.

Thomas’ unusual silence over the years has become a curiosity. Thomas has said previously he relies on the written briefs and doesn’t need to ask questions of the lawyers appearing in court.