Remembering Sandra Day O’Connor: An Intimate Portrait of the First Woman Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman Supreme Court Justice, left an indelible mark on the U.S. Supreme Court during her 25-year tenure. Known for her restrained and cautious approach to judging, O’Connor often spoke for the court on important issues such as affirmative action, states’ rights, campaign finance, national security, and abortion. Behind her tough and bossy exterior, O’Connor had a soft spot for others and was not afraid to show her emotions.
Early Life and Lessons Learned
O’Connor grew up on her parents’ cattle ranch in Arizona, where she learned the value of independence and resilience. At a young age, she was sent to live with her grandmother in Texas to attend a better school. It was through watching her mother deal with her father’s harsh behavior that O’Connor learned an important lesson: don’t take the bait. This lesson served her well when she entered the male-dominated Arizona state senate in 1970, where she faced both heavy drinking and sexual harassment. Despite these challenges, O’Connor rose to become the majority leader before leaving to become a state trial court judge.
From State Judge to Supreme Court Justice
When President Ronald Reagan wanted to appoint a woman to the Supreme Court, O’Connor was chosen due to her conservative views and connections. Preparing for her confirmation hearing was daunting, as she had no experience in constitutional law or federal court practice. However, O’Connor’s ability to quickly absorb and retain information impressed those around her. She formed her own team in Arizona to supplement the information she received in Washington.
A Sensation on the Supreme Court
O’Connor’s confirmation hearings, the first ever to be broadcast, made her a sensation. She answered questions deftly and skillfully navigated controversial subjects like abortion. The public loved her, and she was confirmed with a vote of 99 to 0. As the lone woman on the court for 12 years, O’Connor played a crucial role in bringing the justices together. She understood the importance of breaking bread together and made it her mission to ensure that the justices attended the weekly lunches. Even Justice Clarence Thomas, who initially resisted joining the group, credited O’Connor with making a difference in his experience on the court.
A Realist on the Bench
Although O’Connor was a conservative justice, she approached cases with a realistic mindset. On abortion, she upheld the availability of the procedure while allowing states to enact significant regulations. She believed that colleges and universities needed to consider race in admissions to produce diverse leaders in various fields. O’Connor’s balancing tests and focus on the impact of court decisions on people’s lives set her apart from hardline conservative judges.
The Perfect First
Observers from all sides of the political spectrum agree that O’Connor was the perfect first woman Supreme Court Justice. She was practical, knew when to step back, and when to step forward. Her approach to women’s rights was effective because she was not threatening and understood the importance of making progress without alienating others.
A Tragic End to a Stellar Career
O’Connor’s decision to retire from the court was driven by personal reasons. Her husband, John, was suffering from Alzheimer’s, and she wanted to care for him personally. However, his condition worsened quickly, and O’Connor realized she couldn’t provide the care he needed. She resigned from the court, and within months, John could barely recognize her. O’Connor would later regret her decision, as she watched the court’s direction shift to the right and her legacy being dismantled.
Despite her battle with dementia, O’Connor continued to express her disagreement with the court’s conservative turn. Her legacy as the first woman Supreme Court Justice and her impact on the court will always be remembered.