“Gain a Moment of Reflection with Justice O’Connor at the Supreme Court

On Thursday, July 2, the Supreme Court announced that former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, will lie in repose in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, July 7. Justice O’Connor died on April 18th at the age of 88, after suffering from dementia. Justice O’Connor was sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court on September 29, 1981, four decades ago. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and served for more than 25 years before retiring in 2006. During her historic tenure, Justice O’Connor was known for her unique insight, her decisive voice, and her independent nature. She moderated the court on divisive issues and proposed alternative ways to look at cases when consensus could not be reached. Justice O’Connor achieved firsts throughout her lifetime. She was the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, the first female majority leader in the Arizona Senate, and the first woman to receive a law degree from Stanford Law School. Justice O’Connor believed that individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives had the right to be heard and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the law. To this end, she was also an advocate for civics education in schools, and for the development of a Judicial Fellows program that gave students the opportunity to participate in the courts. The Supreme Court has invited the public to pay their respects and honor Justice O’Connor’s legacy by visiting the court from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 7. President Biden and Vice President Harris released a statement, expressing their admiration for Justice O’Connor: “Justice O’Connor served our nation with great distinction, and she will be remembered for her unparalleled contributions to our democracy and the rule of law. She was a trailblazer, a barrier breaker, and a role model for women and girls. We can honor her legacy best by making sure all our citizens have equal opportunity to live up to their God-given potential and achieve their version of the American Dream”. Sandra Day O’Connor was a visionary, a leader, and a champion of equity and justice. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy will continue to live on in the landmark decisions she rendered as an associate justice of the Supreme Court.