Last updated: 10 may, 2010 - 16:15 GMT
US Solicitor General Elena Kagan nominated for Supreme Court
US President Barack Obama has nominated Solicitor-General Elena Kagan as the 112th Justice to the Supreme Court.
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She has worked in high-powered legal jobs and advised on government policy, but has never served as a judge.
If confirmed by the Senate, Ms Kagan would succeed retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, who is 90 years old.
Scott Lucas is Professor of American Studies at Birmingham University.
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First broadcast 10 May 2010
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