Sandra Day O'Connor, First Female Supreme Court Justice, Dies at 93

Sandra Day O'Connor, the trailblazing jurist who shattered gender barriers to become the first woman on the United States Supreme Court, died in Phoenix, Arizona on Dec. 1. The cause of death was complications related to dementia. She was 93.

Journey to the Supreme Court

O'Connor's path to the Supreme Court was marked by perseverance. After earning her undergraduate, in 1950, and her law degree, in 1952, both from Stanford University, her future looked bright. However, despite her academic achievements, law firms, resistant to hiring a woman, offered her secretarial roles. Undeterred by sexism, she became a deputy district attorney in California.

Her career took an international turn when she moved to Germany with her husband, serving as a civil attorney for the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. Returning to the U.S., O'Connor established a private practice in Maryvale, Arizona, later serving as an assistant attorney general for the state.

Then, she broke new ground in 1969, winning election as a Republican to the Arizona Senate, eventually becoming the first woman in the U.S. to hold the position of majority leader. This eventually led to President Ronald Reagan nominating O'Connor to the Supreme Court in July 1981, filling the vacancy left by Justice Potter Stewart's retirement.

Influence on America

O'Connor's impact on American jurisprudence was profound. Known for her pragmatism, she often held the decisive swing vote in the Supreme Court's decisions. Notably, in election law, she defended equal-protection claims and struck down district boundaries based solely on race.

In the realm of abortion rights, O'Connor's nuanced approach was evident in her key role in the 1992 Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey case.

While reaffirming the constitutional right to abortion established in the 1973 Roe v. Wade case, the decision introduced the "undue burden" standard, allowing legal restrictions on abortion if they did not impose excessive obstacles.

Legacy and Impact

Sandra Day O'Connor's legacy extended beyond her role as a Supreme Court justice. She voted against gender and race discrimination, advocated for civic engagement and upheld the rule of law internationally and domestically.

In her memory, O'Connor is celebrated not only as a legal trailblazer but as a remarkable woman who shaped countless lives with her commitment to justice and equality.

Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, wisdom and commitment to the principles of justice. Her contributions to the legal landscape and her advocacy for equality will continue to inspire generations to come. Sandra Day O'Connor will be dearly missed.

Cora Rodriguez is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email cir5381@psu.edu.