Washington (CNN) Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern Friday over the court's lack of a swing vote with Justice Anthony Kennedy's departure from the bench.

Speaking at a Princeton University conference, Kagan warned that a politically divided court could jeopardize its legitimacy.

"In the last, really 30 years, starting with Justice O'Connor and continuing with Justice Kennedy, there has been a person who found the center or people couldn't predict in that sort of way. That enabled the court to look as though it was not owned by one side or another and was indeed impartial and neutral and fair," Kagan said.

She continued: "It's not so clear going forward. That sort of middle position, you know, it's not so clear whether we'll have it."

Kagan's comments come as President Donald Trump looks to fill the vacancy left by Kennedy with Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who is expected to be confirmed by the Senate during a final vote Saturday.

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