The judge secured the lifelong role after a 53-47 vote in the US Senate, after tough questions from critics. Judge Jackson, 51, will also be the first former attorney general to appear in the Supreme Court and the third black judge to appear. Image: Ketanji Brown Jackson nominated by President Joe Biden The U.S. Supreme Court had only two black judges – both men – Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas. The African-American judge was nominated by US President Joe Biden in February to replace liberal Judge Stephen Breyer. Prior to its seat, the Supreme Court will rule on a number of high-profile cases, including one that could overturn a landmark decision in 1973 that legalized abortions nationally and another that could extend arms rights. Image: There were only two black Americans in the Supreme Court to date – 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 has distinguished legal experience, with Ivy League credentials. Early in her career, Jackson served as a Supreme Court clerk on Liberal Judge Breyer, who is retiring at the end of her term. Over the years, he has handled a number of high profile cases. Image: Supreme Court justices left: Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, bottom left: Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, Stephen Breyer & Sonia Sotomayor. Photo: Erin Schaff / The New York Times / AP In 2021, he joined a three-judge panel that ruled against Donald Trump’s attempt to prevent the White House files from being handed over to a committee investigating the Capitol riots. It also represents criminals who could not afford lawyers, including Guantanamo detainees. Why does her date matter? A seat on the U.S. Supreme Court gives judges the power to often have the final say in highly controversial laws. Judge Jackson’s landmark confirmation is the occasion for celebrations for the representation of black women in the US Federal Supreme Court. “I know what it took to sit in that seat,” New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker told Jackson during her confirmation hearing, which made her cry. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:06 Why does it matter who gets elected to the US Supreme Court? It could mean more than you think Guy-Uriel Charles, a Harvard Law School professor and racial and legal expert, explained how Jackson can influence the court. She said: “I believe that as a black woman she will bring credibility in matters of race and gender. In matters of race, he can serve as a counterweight to Judge Thomas. “In particular, I think young black girls will have an even stronger sense that all avenues, especially in law, are open to them.” Image: Judge Jackson shed tears during the confirmation hearing, where her supporters reminded her of the importance of her candidacy. Photo: AP Winning the Conservatives Judge Jackson is set to replace another liberal justice, which means her confirmation will not affect the current Conservative majority in court. During her confirmation hearings, Republican critics targeted her legal background and criticized her for questioning. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz spoke on Judge Jackson’s grill about the critical theory of race and asked if he believed babies could be racist. Despite her liberal leanings, she garnered support from three Republican senators and other Conservatives far from the Capitol. Former United States Attorney General Charles Fried told Sky News he backed her because she was the “perfect candidate.” “He had life experience where he had to fight and he succeeded at every stage,” he said. Mr Fried, who has taught at Harvard Law School since 1961, added that her experience as a public defender “gives a very important dimension of perspective to the court”.
Important voice in the chair as politically charged issues approach the Supreme Court
When people talk about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s difference, they are referring primarily to the obvious.
But its diversity covers other areas as well.
She is also the first former ombudsman to sit in court and one of only three current judges to attend public school.
Although judges are supposed to remain impartial, past experiences inevitably and correctly inform their thinking and influence decision-making.
The fact that she grew up as a minority represented some of the most vulnerable people in the judiciary, and the fact that her brother is a former police officer will affect her interpretation of certain cases and, in turn, will ask her questions. fellow judges.
In the court case for this term there are many incredibly politically charged issues and headline-grabbing issues, related to gun control, religion and abortion rights.
Specifically for abortion, a challenge by the state of Mississippi to a law that legalized abortion nationally in 1973, the Supreme Court ruling will affect millions of women of all colors – and especially women of color.
In this, Justice Jackson will be an important voice on the bench.
President Biden appointed Jackson in February, fulfilling his campaign promise to nominate a black woman to court.
Entering the court at the age of 51, Judge Jackson will have many years on the bench to leave her mark.
