Judge Merrick Garland

President Barack Obama has nominated veteran appeals court judge Merrick Garland to be the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Garland, 63, a moderate who has earned praise from lawmakers of both parties, was born in Chicago

As principal associate deputy attorney general, led prosecutions including 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and that of so-called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski

Appointed to U.S. Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit by President Bill Clinton in 1997 – approved by Senate on 76-23 vote

Served in Justice Department during Clinton administration and featured on Obama’s previous short lists as potential Supreme Court nominee in 2009 and 2010

Picture: Associated Press