If only Congress looked like the Supreme Court. Today the composition of the nation's highest court took a huge leap toward greater gender equity.
The eagerly anticipated Senate vote to confirm Elena Kagan as the Supreme Court's newest Associate Justice took place today, and it split largely along party lines, 63-37, with five Republicans supporting her and one Democrat opposed.
Kagan's confirmation puts three women on the bench at the same time, a first for a court which didn't have any female representation for nearly 200 years. The Court's senior female justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, described it as "one of the most exhilarating developments."
Kagan is the Supreme Court's 112th justice and the fourth woman confirmed. When the court convenes in October, Kagan's presence will tip the composition of the court to one-third female. In comparison, Congress is only 17% female.
Related articles:
Comments