Katanji Brown Jackson Interview on CBS Evening News
Photographed for CBS Evening News
I worked with the CBS Evening News crew to photograph Katanji Brown Jackson at Harvard University. Because it was more of a film set than photography movement and lighting was severely limited, but we made it work.
A significant portion of the interview took place at Harvard, where Justice Jackson and her husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, met as students. They revisited the classroom where their relationship began, providing a personal backdrop to the discussion of her journey. During the Harvard portion of the interview, Jackson reflected on her undergraduate and law school years, a time she described as a “wonderful experience.” She recounted the advice she received as a freshman to “persevere” and shared how a course on ethical reasoning helped her feel a sense of belonging at the university.
The interview also explored the release of her memoir, “Lovely One,” the title of which is a translation of her West African name.
Judicial Philosophy and Approach:
Justice Jackson described her judicial philosophy as a “methodology” rooted in her experience as a trial judge. She emphasized her commitment to impartiality and approaching cases without a preconceived notion of the outcome. She explained that she sees her role as applying the law to the facts of a case, not making law. Jackson has become known as a prolific questioner during oral arguments, a practice she attributes to her desire to thoroughly understand the complex legal issues before the court.
On Being the First Black Woman on the Supreme Court:
Jackson acknowledged the “fair amount of attention” that comes with being a “first” and the desire to perform well under that spotlight. She expressed hope that her presence on the court would inspire others and that stories like hers would become more common, signifying progress. The interview also touched on an incident during her time at Harvard when a student displayed a Confederate flag, and her belief that focusing on her academic work was the best way to combat such circumstances.
Landmark Cases and Court Decisions:
O’Donnell questioned Jackson about some of the court’s recent and controversial decisions. Regarding the ruling on presidential immunity in Trump v. United States, Jackson expressed her concern about a system that could grant immunity to one individual while the criminal justice system typically treats everyone the same. She also discussed her dissent in the affirmative action cases, stating that her opinion focused on the existing societal gaps created by slavery and Jim Crow.
Supreme Court Ethics:
Justice Jackson voiced her support for an enforceable code of ethics for the Supreme Court. She stated that a binding code is standard for other judges and that she hasn’t seen a persuasive reason why the Supreme Court should be different.
Personal Life and Influences:
The interview offered a glimpse into her personal life, including her relationship with her husband, whom she met in a class called “Changing the Concept of Race in America” at Harvard. She shared that her parents, who grew up in the segregated South, instilled in her a sense of perseverance. Jackson also spoke about the importance of believing in one’s own capabilities, a value she credits for much of her success.
