Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., questioned Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson about her family history as the Senate Judiciary Committee continued its Supreme Court confirmation hearings March 23.
Ossoff opened his line of questioning by asking how her family’s history of public service informed her judiciary work. Jackson has family members who have served in police departments and the U.S. military.
Jackson said her brother had graduated from Howard University and decided to become a police officer. She said she understood the worry that comes from having family members in that type of work.
“I grew up with family members who put their lives on the line,” Jackson said. “I understand the need for law enforcement, the importance of having people who are willing to do that important work, the importance of holding people accountable for their criminal behavior.”
Jackson added that, as a lawyer and citizen, she also “very strongly” believed in the U.S. Constitution and the rights that “make us free.”
“Although we need accountability, although there is crime, we also have a society that ensures that people who have been accused of criminal behavior are treated fairly. That is what our Constitution requires,” she said.
Wednesday was the Senate committee’s final day to question Jackson, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman on the high court. On the final day of the hearings March 24, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from friends and colleagues of Jackson about her temperament and approach to the law.
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