Joe Biden confirmed this Friday, February 25, that he would appoint Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. If the American Senators vote in this direction, she would become the first black magistrate to sit on the highest judicial institution in the country.
Ketanji Brown Jackson would thus replace the progressive judge Stephen Breyer, 83, who will retire. He was appointed in 1994 by Bill Clinton.
Before Joe Biden, Donald Trump had the opportunity to appoint three judges to the Supreme Court, anchoring the case in conservatism.
For the new president of the United States: “She is one of the most brilliant legal minds of our nation”, he tweeted.
I’m proud to announce that I am nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court. Currently serving on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, she is one of our nation’s brightest legal minds and will be an exceptional Justice.https://t.co/iePvhz1YaA pic.twitter.com/Nzqv2AtN8h
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 25, 2022
A “different” life experience
In her professional career, Ketanji Brown Jackson has worked on the side of the accused: for two years, she was a lawyer in the legal aid services in Washington, where she defended destitute defendants. As soon as she arrived at the White House, Joe Biden appointed her to the influential Federal Court of Appeals in Washington, considered a springboard for the Supreme Court.
Despite the deep political divisions in the Senate, she is confirmed with the support of all Democrats and three Republicans. Questioned by an elected official during the confirmation process, she swears to put aside “her personal opinions and any other inappropriate consideration”, including her skin color, in her examination of the files.
“I may have a different life experience than my colleagues,” she concedes. I hope it can be of interest.”