Washington: Sonia Sotomayor has been sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice. She's only the third female justice in the court's 220-year history.
Sotomayor took the second of two oaths of office Saturday from Chief Justice John Roberts in an ornate conference room at the high court, beneath a portrait of the legendary Chief Justice John Marshall. She swore a first oath in a private ceremony minutes earlier.
Sotomayor's mother, brother, other relatives and friends joined her for the occasion.
In one oath, she promised to support and defend the Constitution. In the second, she pledged to "administer justice" fairly and impartially.
President Barack Obama has scheduled a White House reception for Sotomayor on Wednesday.
Sotomayor, 55, has been a federal judge for 17 years. Obama nominated her in May to take the place of Justice David Souter after Souter announced his retirement. The Senate confirmed Sotomayor's nomination Thursday by a 68-31 vote.
The court is set to hear arguments Sept. 9 in a campaign finance case. The entire court will convene the day before for a formal ceremony to welcome Sotomayor.
Many Presidents have been on hand to see their nominees take their seat on the Supreme Court bench for the first time. President George W. Bush attended Roberts' ceremony in October 2005.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, August 08, 2009, 23:57