Judicial Appointments: President Joe Biden Makes History
Biden Surpasses Trump’s Record
President Joe Biden now ranks No. 2 in history for the most judicial appointments in a single four-year term. The Democratic-led US Senate voted to confirm two of Biden’s nominees to serve as life-tenured federal trial court judges in California, capping off a four-year effort by the White House to reshape a federal judiciary that shifted ideologically to the right during the first presidential term of Trump, a Republican.
Historic Milestone
Biden’s 235th appointment to the federal judiciary surpasses President-elect Donald Trump’s first-term tally by one and sets a record for the most judicial appointments made by a president in a single term. Democratic former president Jimmy Carter holds the one-term record with 262 judges appointed.
Diversifying the Bench
About two-thirds of Biden’s appointees are women, and about the same proportion are Black, Hispanic, or other racial minorities, in keeping with a campaign pledge he made to diversify a bench that has long been largely white and male. The White House said Biden appointed more than 45 public defenders to the bench and more than 25 civil rights lawyers to serve as judges.
Professional Backgrounds
Biden also pushed to diversify the professional backgrounds of a judiciary long dominated by former prosecutors and one-time law firm partners. The White House said Biden appointed more than 45 public defenders and more than 25 civil rights lawyers to serve as judges.
Record-Breaking Appointments
The latest confirmed nominees included Serena Murillo, a state court judge in Los Angeles who became the 150th woman confirmed to a judgeship under Biden, with the Senate voting 49-47 in favor of her serving in the Central District of California. That is a record number of women judges appointed by one president, according to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, an advocacy group that backed many of Biden’s nominees.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary has resulted in a historic milestone, with a record number of women and people of color being appointed to the bench. As he continues to shape the judiciary, Biden’s efforts to promote diversity and representation in the legal profession will have a lasting impact on the country.
FAQs
Q: How many judges has President Biden appointed to the federal judiciary?
A: 235
Q: How many women judges has President Biden appointed?
A: 150
Q: What is the number of Black federal jurists confirmed under President Biden?
A: 63
Q: How many judges has President Trump appointed to the federal judiciary?
A: 234
Q: What is the number of judges that President Biden has appointed to the appeals courts?
A: 45