Chief Justice Roberts to swear in Obama

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts will issue the oath of office to President Obama when he is sworn this month, the inauguration planning committee said.

Obama has selected Roberts to deliver two oaths -- the first in an official ceremony at the White House at noon Jan. 20, the date and hour mandated by the Constitution for the swearing-in, and again on Jan. 21 as part of the public inaugural activities, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said in its Web site.

"I will be honored to again stand on the inaugural platform and take part in this important American tradition," Obama said in a statement released by the committee. "I look forward to having Chief Justice John Roberts administer my oath of office as we gather to celebrate not just a president or a vice president, but the strength and determination of the American people."

Roberts also swore in Obama in 2008.

Vice President Biden selected Associate Justice Sotomayor, who will be the first Hispanic and fourth female judge to administer an oath of office, the committee said.

"It's an incredible honor to have Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor swear me in," Biden said. "I believed strongly that she would make a great justice, and it was one of the greatest pleasures of my career to be involved in her selection to the court. ... I'm happy for the chance to be sworn in by a friend -- and someone I know will continue to do great things."

The official swearing-in ceremony Jan. 20 is being planned by the committee. The ceremonial swearing-in Jan. 21 is being overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.