President Joe Biden has achieved a significant milestone in his presidency by confirming 235 judicial appointments, surpassing his predecessor’s total by one. This achievement reflects a strategic focus on diversifying the federal bench, following a period of intense judicial appointments under former President Donald Trump.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer facilitated this achievement with strategic votes scheduled for two California district judges, marking the last confirmations of the year. Serena Raquel Murillo’s confirmation as a district judge for the Central District of California established the new record, emphasizing the continued influence Democrats seek to have on the federal judiciary.
Biden’s administration prioritized appointing women, minorities, and public defenders to the judiciary. Approximately two-thirds of his appointments were women, and a majority were individuals of color. Notably, Ketanji Brown Jackson was appointed to the Supreme Court, marking her as the first African American woman to serve on this high court.
In contrast to Trump’s tenure, where three Supreme Court justices were appointed, Biden focused on a broader range of judicial appointments, emphasizing diversity in both demographics and professional backgrounds. His administration appointed over 45 public defenders and more than two dozen civil rights lawyers, though he lagged behind Trump in circuit court appointments with 45 compared to Trump’s 54.
Democrats faced challenges in confirming nominees due to a 50-50 Senate balance, yet they maintained a steady pace, responding to liberal groups’ urgings for urgency similar to that demonstrated by Republicans during Trump’s administration. Criticism from Senate Republicans, such as Ted Cruz, highlighted a partisan divide over the criteria for judicial appointments, with Cruz noting a perceived extremism in Democratic nominees.
Despite these challenges, liberal groups praised the quality of Biden’s appointees, asserting that a diverse judiciary fosters better judicial decision-making and public trust. As Lena Zwarensteyn from The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights stated, a judiciary truly representative of the populace is pivotal for delivering equal justice.
The judicial branch’s role in shaping national policy was underscored by recent Supreme Court decisions reversing long-standing protections and impacting significant regulatory capabilities of the federal government. Schumer noted that one out of four active judges was appointed under Biden, indicating a significant shift in the bench’s composition.
Looking forward, Senate Republicans, led by incoming Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, plan to continue influencing judicial appointments significantly. Grassley highlighted a lesson learned from Trump’s first term about the importance of court composition. Meanwhile, Democrats acknowledge the challenges ahead, particularly with Trump potentially returning to office, as expressed by Senator Richard Blumenthal, who emphasized the need to remain vigilant.
Ultimately, Biden’s judicial confirmation record marks a turning point in the balance of power within the federal judicial system, setting the stage for future political and legal battles as the Senate transitions to Republican leadership.
Biden’s successful judicial appointments underscore a transformative period in federal judiciary composition, reflecting strategic Democratic efforts to infuse the bench with diversity and varied professional experiences. As new Senate dynamics unfold, the focus on judicial appointments will undoubtedly continue to shape the broader legal landscape in the United States.
Source: News4jax
