New U.S. Supreme Court justices generally take one of two approaches to their first oral argument: a cautious question or two, or full-throated participation in the quick back and forth between justices and advocates. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson took the second during two arguments Monday.

Jackson appeared completely focused and at ease on the bench and seemed to share certain characteristics with Justice Sonia Sotomayor during Sotomayor’s first day of oral argument. They both displayed a keen knowledge of the record in the cases, perhaps reflecting their experiences as trial judges, and, Jackson, in particular, the legislative history of the issues and statutes before the court.