“Even in the darkest times, there are bright lights,” New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, gushed of the news (via The New York Times). “Today is one of the brightest lights. Let us hope it’s a metaphor, an indication of many bright lights to come. How many millions of kids in generations past could have benefited from such a role model?” Her confirmation hearings were particularly memorable for how groundbreaking they were, as well as how emotional they were, from the heated questioning from the right as well as the impassioned defense from Democrats, especially Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Now, get to know Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, including facts about her ideology, philosophy and family life.
When will Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson be on the Supreme Court?
Judge Brown will succeed Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer when he officially retires before the court’s summer recess this year. The court will resume operations on Oct. 3, 2022, which is likely when Judge Brown will take her seat on the bench for the first time. She previously served as a clerk for Justice Breyer, who said at her swearing-in ceremony (via The New York Times), “She sees things from different points of view, and she sees somebody else’s point of view and understands it.”
What is Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s ideology?
Judge Jackson was nominated to the court by a Democratic president, but like other Supreme Court justices, vows to keep politics out of her rulings. “I believe that the Constitution is fixed in its meaning,” she told senators (via CNN). “I believe that it’s appropriate to look at the original intent, original public meaning of the words … that’s a limitation on my authority to import my own policy views.”
What is Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s judicial philosophy?
As far as her judicial philosophy, Judge Brown told the Senate (via CNN), “The philosophy is my methodology. It is a philosophy that I have developed from practice. Unlike some judges who come to appellate work from academia and who have some overarching theory of the law, I approach cases from experience, from practice and consistent with my constitutional obligations. So my philosophy is one in which I look at cases impartially, consistent with my independence as a judicial officer.” She also said that her written opinions tend to be on the lengthier side, noting, “I want everybody to know exactly the arguments I’ve considered, the facts that I’ve reviewed.”
How many times has Ketanji Brown Jackson been overturned?
Of Judge Brown’s 578 opinions and rulings, eight of her opinions were reversed and three were vacated. Five of her decisions were either affirmed and reversed in part or affirmed and vacated in part. This means more than 97% of her decisions still stand.
How old is Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson?
Born Sept. 14, 1970, Judge Jackson is 51 years old.
Who is Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s husband?
Judge Jackson’s husband is Dr. Patrick Jackson. The couple met at Harvard University and married in 1996. Their backgrounds couldn’t be more different. She said of her spouse during a 2017 lecture, “He and his twin brother are, in fact, the sixth generation in their family to graduate from Harvard College. By contrast, I am only the second generation in my family to go to any college, and I am fairly certain that if you traced my family lineage back past my grandparents—who were raised in Georgia, by the way—you would find that my ancestors were slaves on both sides.” She introduced Patrick during her confirmation hearings, and he was often pictured supporting her, at one point crying during a hearing. “Speaking of unconditional love, I’d like to introduce you to my husband of 25 years, Dr. Patrick Jackson. I have no doubt that without him by my side from the very beginning of this incredible professional journey, none of this would have been possible,” she said. “We met in college more than three decades ago, and since then, he’s been the best husband, father, and friend I could ever imagine. Patrick, I love you.” Dr. Patrick Jackson is a gastrointestinal surgeon and a professor at Georgetown University. Fun fact: During Judge Jackson’s hearings, Patrick wore colorful socks depicting the United States’ founding fathers. Cute!
Does Ketanji Brown Jackson have children?
Judge Brown and Dr. Patrick Brown have two daughters. Their eldest daughter Talia is 21 and their younger daughter, Leila, is 17. You can see Leila in this sweet, viral moment, beaming at her mother.
Who are Ketanji Brown Jackson’s parents?
According to the Miami Herald, Judge Jackson’s parents are Johnny Brown, a former attorney who once represented the Miami-Dade County School Board. Her mother, Ellery Brown, was the New World School of the Arts principal. They joined her at her confirmation hearings.
Where did Ketanji Brown Jackson go to high school?
Judge Jackson graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High School. According to The New York Times, she was on the debate team and was quoted in their yearbook as saying she wanted to be a judge someday.
Where did Judge Jackson go to college?
Judge Jackson went to Harvard University, graduating in 1992. In addition to her studies, she also joined an improv group, The New York Timesreported, with future Oscar winner Matt Damon partnering with her for a scene. After she completed her undergraduate studies, Judge Jackson worked for Time magazine briefly. She then enrolled in Harvard Law School, earning her degree in 1996. Next, find out all the ways Vice President Kamala Harris made history.
