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President Biden Celebrates 235 Judicial Confirmations

Washington — On Wednesday, President Biden commemorated a significant milestone in his administration, reaching 235 judicial confirmations during his term. This achievement represents a noteworthy accomplishment that exceeds the number of confirmations secured by former President Donald Trump.

In a ceremony held at the White House, President Biden was joined by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin. During his address, he emphasized the impact of his nominations on the federal judiciary, outlining appointments including one to the Supreme Court, 45 to the federal courts of appeals, 187 to U.S. district courts, and two to the U.S. Court of International Trade.

The appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court marked a historic moment, as she became the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

“The record is clear: the nominees of President Joseph Biden to the federal bench represent the best of the judiciary, the best of America,” remarked Durbin, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and qualifications of the appointees. He noted that one in every four judges currently on the federal bench was nominated by Biden.

Since he took office in 2021, President Biden, who previously led the Senate Judiciary Committee, has made it a priority to enhance diversity within the federal judiciary. His nominees have included over 45 public defenders and 25 civil rights attorneys, indicating a commitment to various perspectives within the legal system.

In addition to appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, the Biden administration has appointed more Black women to the federal courts of appeals than all previous administrations combined, as reported by the White House.

The record of 235 judicial confirmations is the largest seen in a four-year presidential term since the administration of former President Jimmy Carter. While Carter did not make any appointments to the Supreme Court, he appointed a remarkable 262 judges to federal courts following a legislative expansion in 1978. In contrast, Trump confirmed three justices to the Supreme Court, solidifying a conservative majority, and appointed 54 judges to the federal appeals courts.

The courts of appeals play a critical role in the judicial system, hearing over 40,000 cases each year and often rendering final decisions on legal matters, as the Supreme Court considers fewer than 100 cases annually.

Additional Insights

While judicial appointments may reflect a president’s legacy, they also shape the interpretation and application of law in the United States for years to come. As Biden’s appointments continue to influence the judiciary, discussions around the balance of political ideologies within the courts will remain a key topic in American politics.

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