Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is diving into his new job, asking a handful of questions in the first arguments of the day.
Kavanaugh asked questions of both sides in arguments over increased prison sentences for repeat offenders. He jumped in with his first question after most of the other justices had spoken.
There were no disruptions in the courtroom.
Chief Justice John Roberts welcomed Kavanaugh on behalf of the entire court, wishing him the traditional "long and happy career in our common calling."
The new justice's wife and two daughters were in seats reserved for justices' guests, along with retired Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kavanaugh replaced Kennedy on the bench.
The 53-year-old Kavanaugh occasionally chatted privately with Justice Elena Kagan from his seat at the end of the bench to the far left of Roberts.
Police barricades were up in front of the court, but the few protesters congregated near the garage where the justices enter.
Protesters held signs that said, "We will not forget" and "We do not consent," following the acrimonious fight that culminated in Kavanaugh's 50-48 confirmation by the Senate.
Across the street at the U.S. Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor about Kavanaugh's rocky, partisan confirmation process that ended Saturday when he was sworn in at the Supreme Court.
"His confirmation last week was a victory for the very same principles of fairness and justice that we will now count on him — along with his fellow justices — to uphold. And Saturday's vote was also a victory for the Senate, and for the integrity of our institution.
"Reason and deliberation triumphed over what was, literally, an attempt to sway the Senate using mob tactics. I wish this were an exaggeration. It isn't. While many came to Washington peacefully to share their stories, the loudest voices proved to be those of the politically-motivated far left."
McConnell was referring to the staunch opposition to Kavanaugh's nomination, which grew stronger when a woman came forward to say he sexually assaulted her 36 years ago when they were in high school.
The FBI took another look at Kavanaugh's background and did not find corroboration to support the claim, which led to his confirmation by a 50-48 vote.
© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.