Sandra Day O'Connor (former Supreme Court Justice)

Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, appointed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. She served as an Associate Justice until 2006. Known for her careful, pragmatic approach, O’Connor often cast swing votes that helped shape major legal decisions on issues like civil rights, abortion, and business law. She emphasized the importance of individual rights, judicial restraint, and balancing legal principles with practical concerns. Her tenure marked a significant milestone for gender equality in the judiciary and contributed to bipartisan respect for the Supreme Court’s role in American life.