Elena Kagan took her seat on the U.S. Supreme Court for the first time today. Kagan is the 100th Associate Justice of the court, and today’s ceremony was attended by President Obama; former Justices Stevens, O’Connor, and Souter; and several members of Congress.
Kagan officially took the oath of office in a private ceremony on August 7, two days after her confirmation by the Senate, so that she could immediately begin her duties as Justice, but today’s ceremony was the first time she wore a judicial robe and took her seat on the bench in open court.
In the courtroom today, Kagan sat in a chair used by Chief Justice John Marshall in the early 19th century, as has every incoming Justice since 1972. Chief Justice John Roberts then administered the oath and Justice Kagan was escorted to her seat on the far right side of the bench. After the special session of the court adjourned, Roberts escorted Kagan down the front steps of the building for photographs.
The Supreme Court’s 2010 term begins Monday, October 4.