Samuel Alito has been sworn in as the nation's newest Supreme Court justice.

The private ceremony took place in Washington January 31, less than two hours after the Senate voted 58-to-42 to confirm his nomination. President Bush said he is pleased by the confirmation, calling Justice Alito brilliant and fair-minded.

President Bush last year named John Roberts as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  The opportunity to name a second judge to the nation's highest court gives the president an opportunity to shape the direction of decisions for years to come.