Justice Sotomayor to Become First Latina to Administer Oath of Office

Another first for Latinos at the inauguration.

By Jorge Rivas Jan 14, 2013

Chief Justice John Roberts will once again administer the oath of office to President Barack Obama — first on Sunday, Jan. 20 and again then a second time during the public inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21. Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor will administer the oath of office for Vice President Joe Biden. Biden personally selected Justice Sotomayor for the ceremony. She will become the first Latina and fourth female judge to administer an oath of office, according to the Presidential Inaugural Committee. "It’s an incredible honor to have Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor swear me in," Vice President Biden said in a statement. "I believed strongly that she would make a great Justice, and it was one of the greatest pleasures of my career to be involved in her selection to the Court. From the first time I met her, I was impressed by Justice Sotomayor’s commitment to justice and opportunity for all Americans, and she continues to exemplify those values today. Above all, I’m happy for the chance to be sworn in by a friend – and someone I know will continue to do great things." Three women have previously sworn-in presidents and vice presidents: Judge Sarah T. Hughes swore-in President Johnson in 1963; Justice Sandra Day O’Connor swore-in Vice President Dan Quayle in 1989; and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg swore-in Vice President Al Gore in 1997.