Jackson was sworn in by Durbin just after noon. 15.20 and submitted its opening declaration to the committee and promised to support and defend the constitution if it was confirmed before the Supreme Court.
“Members of this committee,” she said, “if I am confirmed, I pledge to you that I will work productively to support and defend the Constitution and this great experiment with American democracy that has lasted for the last 246 years. . “
Jackson noted her nearly 10 years on the federal bench, saying she takes her responsibility to be independent seriously.
“I decide cases from a neutral position,” she told the committee. “I judge the facts, and I interpret and apply the law to the facts of the case, without fear or advantage, in accordance with my legal oath.”
Jackson thanked Mr. Biden for the “trust” he had in her, and thanked the 45 senators she met with in the run-up to her confirmation hearings.
“Your careful attention to my nomination demonstrates your dedication to the crucial role that the Senate plays in this constitutional process. And I thank you,” she said.
Born in Washington, Jackson highlighted the lessons her parents, Johnny and Ellery Brown, both attended. Jackson said her father helped spark her interest in law when he was a full-time student at the University of Miami Law School. when the family moved to Florida.
“My very first memories are that I saw my dad study – he had his stack of law books on the kitchen table while I sat across from him with my stack of coloring books,” she said.
Jackson said her parents impressed both her and her brother, Ketajh, with the value of public service, with her younger brother working as a police officer before joining the Army following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“Even before today, I can honestly say that my life had been blessed without goals,” she said. “The first of my many blessings is that I was born in this great nation a little over 50 years ago.”
Regarding her experience as a federal judge, Jackson noted that her opinions tend to be long, which she said reflects her commitment to being transparent and giving a thorough explanation of her decisions.
“All my professional experience, including my work as a public defender and as a court judge, has instilled in me the importance of each party knowing that the judge in their case has heard them, whether their arguments won in court or not.” she said.
Jackson acknowledged that her family was present at the hearing, including her husband Patrick, daughters Talia and Leila, parents, brother, in-laws and three classmates.
To honor Breyer, for whom she was a clerk at the Supreme Court, Jackson called it “extremely humiliating to be considered for Judge Breyer’s seat, and I know I could never fill his shoes. But if confirmed, I would hope to continue his spirit. “
“I know that my role as a judge is limited, that the Constitution only empowers me to decide cases and controversies that are properly presented, and I know that my role as a judge is further limited by careful adherence to precedent,” she said.
Jackson said she has worked across her judicial career to ensure that the words inscribed above the entrance to the Supreme Court “equal justice under law is a reality and not just an ideal.”