In a historic 52-48 vote by the US Senate last night, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the US Supreme Court.

At a following White House ceremony last evening, US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas swore Barrett in making her the fifth woman to serve on the top judicial body in US history.

The legacy bequeathed by the passing of former justice Ruth Ginsberg is filled by another woman with an added first. Justice Barrett is the first woman US Supreme Court Justice to serve with school-aged children.

The look of admiration when a daughter realizes, “Mommie is a trailblazer.”

The filling of the vacant Supreme Court seat brings back into balance the nine-seat Supreme Court. In the coming days, there may be legal consideration required on outstanding questions about counting ballots days after the November 3rd election in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Federal judges don’t stand for election.  Thus, they have no basis for claiming that their preferences reflect those of the people.  This separation of duty from political preference is what makes the judiciary distinct among the three branches of government.

A judge declares independence not only from Congress and the President, but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her.  The Judicial Oath captures the essence of the judicial duty the rule of law must always control.

My fellow Americans, even though we judges don’t face elections, we still work for you.  It is your Constitution that establishes the rule of law and the judicial independence that is so central to it.

The oath that I have solemnly taken tonight means, at its core, that I will do my job without any fear or favor, and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences.

I love the Constitution and the Democratic Republic that it establishes, and I will devote myself to preserving it.  Thank you.”

#AmyConeyBarrett   #AmyTheTrailblazer   #Historic    #BelovedACB