Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson marks a historic milestone for the United States by being the first black woman to be sworn in to serve on the Supreme Court, following the retirement of Judge Stephen Breyer.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, took the constitutional oath, but Judge Breyer also took a second judicial oath, as part of the protocol.
Judge Jackson –nominated by President Joe Biden—highlighted the work of Judge Breyer in a statement, where he referred to feeling “well positioned” with the record as a dispenser of justice established by his predecessor.
“As a result of his exemplary service, with the support of my family and friends, and always aware of the duty to promote the State of Right, I am well positioned to serve the American people,” she said in a message where she also thanked her family.
Judge Jackson’s family was present, such as occurred in the confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she faced tough questions, mainly from Republicans, in relation to abortion, same-sex marriage and child pornography.
Breyer stepped down after holding that position for 28 years, amid a growing debate about expanding the membership of the Court, which is controlled by conservative judges, who last week reversed the legal framework on abortion.
Although Democratic senators did pointed questions, such as Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (Illinois) about terrorists, Republicans got into high-impact issues, which Justice Jackson responded to, despite constant interruptions as he spoke.
Among the highlights of the Senate hearings were the participation of Republicans Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, both from Texas.