Amy Coney Barrett was nominated by incumbent president Donald J. Trump to be the succeeding supreme court judge. After the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there was controversy over nominating a new judge. Though it was debated whether or not Trump had the right to nominate a judge before the results of the next election, she was confirmed on October 26. In a very anti-bipartisan vote, USA Today says that “Barrett was confirmed by a slim 52-48 vote,” where all but one Republican senator voted for her, and all democratic senators voted against. 

Here’s a list of things you need to know…

1. Amy Coney Barrett attended Notre Dame Law School. Prior to law school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature.
2. She spent three years on the bench for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. 
3. She has a conservative leaning record, taking traditional right stances on matters like abortion and guns. 
4. Barrett is a Catholic, but has stated, “It’s never appropriate for a judge to impose that judge’s personal convictions, whether they arise from faith or anywhere else, on the law.”
5. For a full and recommended visit to a history of her rulings, visit https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/amy-coney-barretts-judicial-record-criminal-justice-cases 

Many have expressed various concerns about Barrett and her nomination so close to the election, while others are rejoicing for a 6-3 supreme court. This means that it’ll be a Republican majority. She has outstanding qualifications, but little experience outside her three years on the Court of Appeals bench. Some conservatives fear she may develop more liberal viewpoints, while liberals fear her challenging cases such as Roe V. Wade. With big shoes to fill, lots of doubt, and a lot of pressure, Amy Coney Barrett will need the good luck to make it for what could be decades of time as the Supreme Court Judge

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.