The US Senate has voted to confirm US President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, after weeks of debate.
The Senate backed Brett Kavanaugh's nomination by 50 votes to 48.
Kavanaugh had been embroiled in a bitter battle against allegations of sexual assault.
But after an 11th‑hour investigation by the FBI into the allegations, enough wavering senators decided to back the nomination.
Ahead of the vote, hundreds of people protested against Kavanaugh's nomination at the US Capitol in Washington.
During the vote, other protesters shouted "shame" from the public gallery and Vice‑President Mike Pence had to call for order to be restored.
The BBC reports Kavanaugh's appointment is for life and he will strengthen conservative control of the nine‑judge court, which has the final say on US law.
The 53-year-old will be sworn in at the Supreme Court later today.
Protesters have gathered there too to continue the demonstrations.
[Source: BBC]
