Demand Justice Statement on Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Confirmation as the First Black Woman and First Public Defender on the Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2022

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DEMAND JUSTICE STATEMENT ON KETANJI BROWN JACKSON’S CONFIRMATION AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN AND FIRST PUBLIC DEFENDER ON THE SUPREME COURT

WASHINGTON, DC— In response to Senate confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman and first public defender on the Supreme Court of the United States, Demand Justice Executive Director Brian Fallon issued the following statement:

“Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation is a breakthrough moment for the effort to reimagine what types of lawyers become judges in America. Jackson showed that public defenders can stand up against every bad-faith attack imaginable and emerge with overwhelming support from the American people. By vigorously standing up for the value of public defense, Jackson has paved the way for the next generation of public defenders and civil rights lawyers to become judges.”

“While Republicans promised a respectful confirmation process, they instead stooped to new low after new low, leveling vicious and unfounded smears rooted in racism and misogyny, then forcing the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court to jump through procedural hurdles no nominee has faced in over 150 years. Throughout, Jackson displayed the brilliance, poise, and judicial temperament that will make her a phenomenal Supreme Court justice.”

“When she is sworn in, Jackson will join a Supreme Court in the grip of an irresponsible, hyper partisan Republican supermajority. Jackson will be a powerful voice for justice, but she cannot solve that problem alone. To realize the full potential of Jackson’s history-making confirmation, Democrats must embrace structural reforms to restore balance to the Court.”

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