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Sandra Day O'Connor
Former Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
First female Supreme Court Justice
Overview
Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, serving as an Associate Justice from 1981 to 2006. Appointed by President Reagan, she became the pivotal swing vote on the Court for two decades. Her most controversial moment came as the decisive vote in Bush v. Gore, which effectively determined the 2000 presidential election.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Cast the decisive vote in Bush v. Gore (2000), halting the Florida recount and effectively awarding the presidency to George W. Bush in a 5-4 decision widely criticized as partisan
Reports emerged that she expressed dismay at initial election night results showing Gore winning, with witnesses claiming she said "this is terrible" because she wanted to retire under a Republican president
Co-authored the joint opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) that reaffirmed Roe v. Wade core holding while allowing new restrictions on abortion access
Later expressed regret about Bush v. Gore, telling the Chicago Tribune editorial board that "maybe the Court should have said we are not going to take it"
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Ronald Reagan
Appointed her as first female Supreme Court Justice
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
Education
- •Stanford University, BA Economics 1950
- •Stanford Law School, LLB 1952
Key Timeline
1981-09-25
Confirmed as first female Supreme Court Justice, 99-0 vote
1992-06-29
Co-authored Casey opinion reaffirming Roe v. Wade
2000-12-12
Cast decisive vote in Bush v. Gore stopping Florida recount
2006-01-31
Retired from the Supreme Court
2023-12-01
Died at age 93 in Phoenix, Arizona