Trailblazer and Influential Jurist Passes Away
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to ascend to the high court and its most influential jurist for much of her 24-year tenure, died on Friday at the age of 93. O’Connor’s death was announced by the court. She had announced in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia.
A Centrist on an Ideologically Divided Court
O’Connor, who retired in 2006, was often referred to as the most powerful woman in America and one of the country’s most admired public officials. She was known for her centrist views on the ideologically divided court and used her position to navigate controversial issues such as affirmative action, abortion, religion, and the death penalty.
The First Woman on the Supreme Court
On the day she arrived at the Supreme Court in 1981, O’Connor made history as the first woman on the court. President Reagan had promised to appoint a woman to the Supreme Court during his campaign, and O’Connor, a little-known Arizona state judge, became his choice. She quickly gained confirmation from the Senate.
The Swing Vote
Within a few years of joining the court, O’Connor became known as the “swing vote,” often tipping the outcome of a case in favor of either the conservative or liberal factions. She employed her legislative skills to find middle ground on divisive issues, seeking narrow points of agreement to build a majority. This approach made her a crucial figure on the court.
A Legacy of Nuanced Rulings
O’Connor’s legacy includes nuanced rulings on affirmative action, abortion, and religion. On affirmative action, she struck down rigid policies while upholding those that offered opportunities to promising minority students. On abortion, she voted to uphold the core right of adult women to choose, while also supporting state restrictions. On religion, she supported greater access to schools and public funding for church groups, but drew a line between government endorsement and private speech endorsing religion.
A Pragmatic Justice
O’Connor was known for her practical approach to rulings, focusing on the real-world consequences rather than abstract legal theories. She valued the impact of each decision and was not concerned with predictable patterns. Her pragmatism was attributed to her upbringing on a ranch, where practical solutions were essential.
A Groundbreaking Life
O’Connor was born on March 26, 1930, and raised on a cattle ranch during the Great Depression. Despite facing challenges as a woman in the legal profession, she excelled academically and graduated near the top of her Stanford Law School class. O’Connor’s journey to the Supreme Court was marked by determination and resilience.
A Lasting Legacy
O’Connor’s retirement plans were overshadowed by unforeseen circumstances, but her impact on the court remains significant. She paved the way for future female justices and left a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and influential jurist.