The pioneering retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor passed away on Friday. We would like to express our gratitude to O'Connor biographer Evan Thomas, the author of "First: Sandra Day O'Connor":
Well, you know, Sandra O'Connor did not appreciate that. However, it was 1981, and she was accustomed to such situations. She simply smiled.
She possessed strength, intelligence, and an unwavering determination to prove that women were just as capable as men in their roles.
One of her notable traits was her ability to avoid getting involved in petty, ego-driven disputes. During a private conference at the court, when Justice Antonin Scalia began criticizing affirmative action, she responded, "Why Nino, how do you think I got my job?" However, when one of her law clerks included a sharp remark in her opinion to publicly retaliate against Scalia, she simply crossed it out.
Sandra Day O'Connor: A Legacy of Power and Collaboration
In her 24 years on the Supreme Court, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor made a significant impact on American jurisprudence. She served as the decisive swing vote in 330 cases, wielding her power to uphold important rights and shape the course of the nation.
Justice O'Connor was not afraid to take controversial stances. She upheld abortion rights, supported affirmative action, and played a role in the election of President George W. Bush. However, she also expressed regret about the court's involvement in the election case.
One of O'Connor's notable qualities was her willingness to share power and credit. In a landmark case, she assigned the writing of the court's opinion to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, recognizing her colleague's expertise and giving her the opportunity to shape the decision. This act of collaboration was greatly appreciated by Justice Ginsburg.
Justice Clarence Thomas praised O'Connor for being the glue that held the court together and maintained civility among the justices. Her presence and leadership were valued by her colleagues.
In 2006, O'Connor made the difficult decision to retire from the court at the height of her power. Her husband, John, was battling Alzheimer's, and she wanted to prioritize taking care of him. She saw it as a sacrifice for the man who had sacrificed for her throughout their lives.
A Tribute to Sandra Day O'Connor
We were fortunate to have Sandra Day O'Connor serve on the Supreme Court. Her dedication to justice and her ability to navigate complex legal issues made her a true asset to the nation. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
For more information:
- "First: Sandra Day O'Connor" by Evan Thomas (Random House)
Story produced by Robert Marston. Editor: Lauren Barnello.
See also:
- From the archives: Portraits of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor ("Sunday Morning")
