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Sandra Day O'Connor

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description Sandra Day O'Connor Overview

Sandra Day O'Connor was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1981 to 2006. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan, she was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Prior to her appointment, she worked as a lawyer and politician in Arizona, serving as a state senator and eventually becoming the first female majority leader of a state senate.

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When was Sandra Day O'Connor appointed to the Supreme Court?

Sandra Day O'Connor made history in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the United States Supreme Court. She became the very first woman to serve as a Justice on the nation's highest court.

How long did Sandra Day O'Connor serve as a Justice?

Justice O'Connor served on the Supreme Court bench for exactly 25 years, retiring in 2006. During her tenure, she was often the crucial swing vote in many highly controversial 5-4 decisions.

What was Sandra Day O'Connor's early legal career like?

Despite graduating near the top of her class at Stanford Law School in 1952, she initially struggled to find a paid job as a female lawyer. She eventually worked as a deputy county attorney in California before moving into private practice and Arizona politics.

What did Sandra Day O'Connor do after retiring from the Supreme Court?

Following her retirement in 2006, O'Connor dedicated herself to promoting civic education across the United States. She founded an organization called iCivics in 2009 to teach middle and high school students about government through interactive games.