Jackson sworn in as Supreme Court justice
Makes history as first Black woman on bench
WASHINGTON – Ketanji Brown Jackson, a former public defender who rose to become a judge on a powerful federal appeals court, made history Thursday as the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court.
Jackson, 51, a Miami native and Harvard-trained lawyer who was confirmed by the Senate nearly three months ago, will take the seat occupied by Associate Justice Stephen Breyer for 28 years. Breyer announced his retirement in January, clearing the way for President Joe Biden to name Jackson as his first pick for the nation’s highest court.
Previously a judge on the powerful U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Jackson took the oath of office at a fraught moment for the high court, as its decisions to overturn Roe v. Wade and expand access to handguns have exacerbated tensions among the justices and underscored divisions among Americans over culture war issues.
But none of that was on display as Chief Justice John Roberts administered one oath of office to Jackson and Breyer – for whom Jackson clerked more than 20 years ago – administered the other. With that, Jackson became the 104th associate justice – marking the first time women and people of color outnumber white men on the court.
“I am truly grateful to be part of the promise of our great nation,” Jackson said in a statement released by the court after the ceremony.
In brief remarks before the oaths were administered, Roberts noted that Jackson could now exercise her duties as a justice. That will allow Jackson to get her chambers and staff set up in preparation for the start of what appears to be another intense term this fall.
“I am pleased to welcome Justice Jackson to the court and to our common calling,” Roberts said.
When the justices return to Washington in October with Jackson in her seat, there will be four women and two African Americans on the nation’s highest bench for the first time in the court’s 233-year history.
“Her hard work, integrity, and intelligence have earned her a place on this court,” Breyer said in a statement released by the court. “I am glad for America. Ketanji will interpret the law wisely and fairly, helping that law to work better
for the American people, whom it serves.”
Jackson was confirmed 53-47, picking up the support of three Senate Republicans along with all Democrats. Because she is replacing Breyer, who was nominated by President Bill Clinton, Jackson is not expected to change the court’s conservative tilt. Relatively young for a Supreme Court justice, Jackson could serve for decades.
Though Republicans largely praised Jackson’s temperament, some accused her of being soft on crime and questioned her role in defending terrorists who were classified as enemy combatants after the 9/11 attacks. Though some of that criticism was sharp Jackson sailed through the hearings.
“With a full heart, I accept the solemn responsibility of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and administering justice without fear or favor, so help me God. I am truly grateful to be part of the promise of our great Nation. I extend my sincerest thanks to all of my new colleagues for their warm and gracious welcome.” Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson