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Sotomayor's a Rookie Again

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 9, 2009 4:09 PM CDT
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(AP) – After 17 years as a federal judge, Sotomayor knows her way around a courthouse. But her new workplace is filled with quirky customs and rituals and questions about how to fit in. When do you speak up? How do you find your way around a building torn apart by renovation? If someone knocks at the door while the justices are meeting in their private conference room, who answers? (Note to the new kid: You do.)

For all the groundbreaking nature of her nomination, the most significant demographic fact about Sotomayor now is that she is the junior justice. She'll be responsible for taking notes on what the justices decide at those private meetings and reporting the decisions accurately to the court clerk. Sotomayor also will go last when justices take initial votes. "You don't necessarily want to break the china when you start out," says a former clerk to Clarence Thomas.

Sonia Sotomayor, left, President Obama's choice to replace Justice David Souter, shakes hands with Chief Justice John Roberts after being sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice.
Sonia Sotomayor, left, President Obama's choice to replace Justice David Souter, shakes hands with Chief Justice John Roberts after being sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice.   (J. Scott Applewhite)
Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's choice to replace Justice David Souter, takes the oath from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice.
Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's choice to replace Justice David Souter, takes the oath from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice.   (J. Scott Applewhite)
After being sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice, Sonia Sotomayor is hugged by mother Celina Sotomayor and brother Juan Luis Sotomayor at the Supreme Court, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.
After being sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice, Sonia Sotomayor is hugged by mother Celina Sotomayor and brother Juan Luis Sotomayor at the Supreme Court, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.   (J. Scott Applewhite)
Sonia Sotomayor arrives to be sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice and only the third woman in the court's 220-year history, in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.
Sonia Sotomayor arrives to be sworn in as the Supreme Court's first Hispanic justice and only the third woman in the court's 220-year history, in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.   (J. Scott Applewhite)
In this May 28, 2009 file photo, the Supreme Court in seen Washington. Sonia Sotomayor has gained admission to the Marble Palace. Now she has to figure out how the Supreme Court works.
In this May 28, 2009 file photo, the Supreme Court in seen Washington. Sonia Sotomayor has gained admission to the Marble Palace. Now she has to figure out how the Supreme Court works.   (Susan Walsh)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
riffran
Aug 10, 2009 12:52 PM CDT
that would be a change you can hope for..lol
BlahBlahBlah
Aug 10, 2009 2:54 AM CDT
Good luck to JUSTICE Sotomayor. If you are going to poke fun at a woman who has accomplished something great don't open your mouth at all.
justme
Aug 9, 2009 11:15 AM CDT
Good luck to the Wise Latina. Hope she stays with her history of moderate decisions rather than her history of politically charged statements.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Hispanic • US Supreme Court • justices • rookie • Sonia Sotomayor • women's issues

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