Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed as the first black woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court in her 233-year history.
The judge secured a lifetime role after 53-47 votes in the U.S. Senate, after intense questions from critics.
Judge Jackson, 51, will also sit as the first former public defender Supreme Court And the third black judge will sit.
There were only two black judges in the US Supreme Court – both men – Thargood Marshall and Clarence Thomas.
The African-American judge was nominated by US President Joe Biden in February to replace Liberal Justice Stephen Brayer.
Before he joins the bench, the Supreme Court will rule on a number of high-profile cases, one that could overturn a 1973 landmark decision that legalized abortion nationwide and another that would extend gun rights.
To date, only two black Americans have appeared in the Supreme Court – both men. Photo: AP
Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson?
Judge Jackson, 51, was born in Washington and raised in Miami.
He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1996 and specializes in legal experience with Ivy League certification.
Early in his career, Jackson served as the Supreme Court clerk for the Liberal Justice. Justice Breyer, who is retiring at the end of this term.
Over the years, he has handled several high-profile cases.
Supreme Court Justices from left: Brett Kavanagh, Elena Cagan, Neil Gorsuch, Justice Amy Connie Barrett, from bottom left: Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, Stephen Breyer, and Sonia Sotomayor. Photo: Erin Schaff / The New York Times / AP
In 2021, he was part of a three-judge panel that ruled against him Of Donald Trump The White House record is being handed over to an investigative committee Capital riots.
He represented the convicts who could not afford the council, including the Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Why is his appointment important?
A seat on the U.S. Supreme Court gives judges the power to make the final say in often highly controversial laws.
Judge Jackson’s groundbreaking confirmation is one of the reasons for the celebration of the representation of black women in the highest federal court in the United States.
New Jersey Senator Corey Booker told Jackson during his confirmation hearing, “I know what you’ve got to do with that seat,” which made him cry.
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Guy-Uriel Charles, a professor at Harvard Law School and an expert on race and law, explained how Jackson could influence the court.
She said: “I think as a black woman she would bring credibility to the issue of race and gender. On ethnic issues, he could act as a counterweight to Justice Thomas.
“In particular, I think young black girls will have a stronger idea that all avenues, especially the law, are open to them.”
Judge Jackson shed tears during his confirmation hearing where supporters reminded him of the significance of his nomination. Photo: AP
Conquer the Conservatives
Judge Jackson is ready to replace another liberal justice, meaning his confirmation will not affect the current conservative majority in court.
During his confirmation hearing, Republican critics looked at his legal record and were criticized for questioning him.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz asked Judge Jackson about the critical race theory and asked if he thought children could be racist.
Despite his liberal leanings, he garnered the support of three Republican senators and other conservatives away from Capitol Hill.
Former U.S. Solicitor General Charles Fried told Sky News that he supported her because she was “the ideal nominee.”
“He had life experiences where he had to fight his way through and succeed at every stage,” he said.
Mr Fried, who has taught at Harvard Law School since 1961, added that his experience as a public defender “gives a very important dimension to court views”.
President Biden nominated Jackson in February, fulfilling his presidential campaign promise to nominate a black woman to court.
Entering the 51-year-old court, Judge Jackson will remain on the bench for many years to make his mark.
