US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has been sworn in, again, at an event at the White House but not before President Donald Trump
Mr Trump apologised to Mr Kavanaugh and his family for "the terrible suffering you have been forced to endure".
"On behalf of our nation, I want to apologize to Brett and the entire Kavanaugh family for the terrible pain and suffering you have been forced to endure," Mr Trump said at the jurist's White House swearing-in ceremony.
He said that "under historic scrutiny", Mr Kavanaugh was "proven innocent".
President Donald Trump listens as retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy swears-in Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Source: AP
The bitter partisan fight over Mr Kavanaugh's nomination became a firestorm after sexual misconduct allegations emerged involving Mr Kavanaugh.
He emphatically denied the allegations.
Mr Kavanaugh went through a bruising confirmation process in the US Senate, where questions were also raised over his partisan rhetoric.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh (L) hugs his wife Ashley after the ceremony. Source: AP
The other eight justices were all in attendance for Monday's swearing-in, which was entirely ceremonial.
Mr Kavanaugh officially became a member of the high court Saturday.
He used the swearing in ceremony to announce he had "no bitterness" over his bruising nomination process as he vowed to be a "team player."
"The Supreme Court is a team of nine. And I will always be a team player on the team of nine... The senate confirmation process was contentious and emotional. That process is over," he said.
President Trump has praised his US Supreme Court pick. Source: AP
"My focus now is to be the best justice I can be. I take this office with gratitude and no bitterness."
Mr Kavanaugh already has been at the Supreme Court preparing for his first day on the bench Tuesday.
- With wires
