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Ketanji Brown Jackson, Supreme Court nominee
"I hope you will see how much I love our country and how much the Constitution and the rights that set us free."
It is already a historic hearing that began this week before the Judiciary Committee in the US capital, Washington.
Ketanji Brown Jackson is running for the US Supreme Court.
She would be the first black woman to sit on a judge's seat.
Ketanji Brown Jackson, Supreme Court nominee
“I decide cases from a neutral stance.
I evaluate the facts, and I interpret and apply the law to the facts of the case before me, without fear or favor, in accordance with my judicial oath.”
Brown Jackson was nominated by US President Joe Biden in February.
As a presidential candidate in 2020, he had promised to appoint a black woman to the court.
In its 232-year history, the Supreme Court has had just five women judges and two black judges.
The Democrats welcomed the nomination as an important signal for the country.
Richard Blumenthal, US Senator, Democrat
"The appointment of a black woman to the Court means that your service will make the Court look more like America -- hopefully it will also make the Court think more like America."
Chuck Grassley, US Senator, Republican
"We're not trying to make a spectacle out of this..."
Republicans vowed to be civil during the hearing.
But some went on the offensive -- emphasizing the belief of some Republicans that Jackson, who was also a public defender, was too lenient with criminals.
Lindsey Graham, US Senator, Republican
“We're going to ask you what we think we need to ask you.
Senator Holly, you also need to question you about your past as a magistrate.
And then we'll see what she says."
Marsha Blackburn, US Senator, Republican
»I'm just wondering: what's your hidden agenda?
Is it about letting violent criminals, cop killers and child molesters back onto the streets?”
The Democrats jumped to her side.
Patrick Leahy, US Senator, Democrat
“Judge Jackson is not against prosecution.
She even comes from a law enforcement family.
And no, she's not too lenient with criminals."
Brown Jackson would replace retired Justice Stephen Breyer without changing the Supreme Court majority.
In the survey this week, both parties are likely to be primarily concerned with political benefits.
That Ketanji Brown Jackson is technically suitable is largely undisputed.
A simple majority is required for their confirmation.