Ketanji Brown Jackson has been sworn in as the 116th justice on the US Supreme Court, the first Black woman and first former public defender to join the nine-member panel.
She was sworn into the role at noon on 30 June by Chief Justice John Robertsand retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, whose retirement is effective on Thursday following 30 years on the nation’s high court.
The chief justice administered the constitutional oath and Justice Breyer administered the judicial oath in a small ceremony with members of Justice Jackson’s family present. She was sworn into the role on a Bible held by her husband Patrick.
“I’m pleased to welcome Justice Jackson to the court and to our common calling,” said Justice Roberts, who shook Justice Jackson’s hand after her oaths. The chief justice said there will be a would be a formal ceremony in the fall, but the oaths on Thursday “allow her to undertake her duties, and she’s been anxious to get to them without any further delay”.
In a statement, she said: “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.”