Elena Kagan is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010 and is the fourth woman to serve on the Court. Kagan's political affiliation is Democratic.
Early Life and Education
Kagan was born on April 28, 1960, in New York City. She attended Hunter College High School and graduated in 1977. Kagan then attended Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in 1981. She went on to attend Harvard Law School, where she earned a Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, in 1986.
Legal Career
After law school, Kagan clerked for Judge Abner Mikva on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She then clerked for Justice Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court of the United States.
Kagan worked as an associate in the Washington, D.C. law firm Williams & Connolly from 1989 to 1991. She then became a professor at the University of Chicago Law School from 1991 to 1995. In 1995, Kagan joined the faculty at Harvard Law School, where she taught until 2003, when she became the first female dean of the law school.
Political Views
Kagan is a Democrat and has been described as a moderate liberal. She has been an advocate for the rights of same-sex couples and has opposed the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. During her confirmation hearing, Kagan stated that she believed in a "presumption of constitutionality" for federal statutes and that the Supreme Court should show "appropriate deference" to Congress.
Supreme Court Nomination and Confirmation
On May 10, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Kagan to the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens. Kagan was confirmed by the Senate on August 5, 2010, by a vote of 63-37.
Supreme Court Tenure
Kagan has been a member of the Supreme Court since August 7, 2010. She has been described as a pragmatic liberal who is willing to compromise and work with other justices to reach consensus. Kagan has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, including the Affordable Care Act case and the same-sex marriage case.
Conclusion
Elena Kagan is a Democrat and has been a member of the Supreme Court since 2010. She is known for her pragmatic approach and willingness to work with other justices. Kagan has been involved in a number of high-profile cases and has been an advocate for the rights of same-sex couples.