Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice yesterday, making history as the first black woman to serve on the nation's highest court when the court's conservative majority has been asserting itself in essential rulings.

Ms. Jackson (51) is appointed to a court with a conservative majority of 6-3. Her oath of office as President Joe Biden's replacement for retiring liberal Justice Stephen Breyer occurred six days after the Supreme Court reversed the 1973 landmark case Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationally. Justice Breyer, the oldest court member at 83, officially departed on Thursday.

Ms. Jackson stated, "With a full heart, I accept the solemn responsibility of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and administering justice without fear or favor."

This week, a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that 57 percent of Americans have a negative opinion of the Supreme Court in the wake of the abortion verdict, a dramatic reversal from earlier in the month when a slim majority held a favorable view.

Ms. Jackson is the 116th justice, the sixth woman, and the third African-American to serve on the Supreme Court since its inception in 1789.

Mr. Breyer stated, "I am happy for America," in a statement. "Ketanji will interpret the law judiciously and impartially, thereby enhancing its effectiveness for the American people, whom it serves."

Mr. Biden appointed Ms. Jackson to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after she served as a federal district judge for eight years.

Ms. Jackson, like the three conservative justices selected by Donald Trump, is young enough to serve decades in a position with lifetime tenure.

Chief Justice John Roberts said at the event, "I am pleased to welcome Justice Jackson to the court and to our common calling."

On April 7, the Senate confirmed Ms. Jackson by a vote of 53-47, with three Republicans joining the Democrats in her favor.

The selection of Ms. Jackson does not alter the court's ideological balance.

Ms. Jackson stated during an event honoring her confirmation, "It has taken 232 years and 115 previous appointments for a black woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States." "But we've made it."