The issue focused on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and civil rights lawyer Deborah Hudson. Justice Thomas wrote that federal courts must rely on judicial rulings rather than administrative regulations when interpreting legislation or regulatory requirements. He argued that legislative provisions should not apply retroactively to lawsuits filed before their enactment. Justice Thomas stated: "Congress enacted statutory obligations under Title VII by statute. Courts cannot impose statutory obligations upon Congress unless those statutes expressly authorize courts to do so." Justice Thomas concluded his dissent with this declaration: "Today's opinion declares unconstitutional laws