Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, was known for her pragmatic approach to law and her influence in shaping American jurisprudence, particularly in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights, and judicial philosophy. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
1. On the Role of the Judiciary
- “The law should not be used to solve every problem. There are some problems that cannot be solved by the law.”
- “The court is not a policy-making institution. We interpret the law, we don’t create it.”
- “A judge’s role is not to make the law, it is to apply the law.”
2. On Justice and Equality
- “I think that the more you are willing to give, the more you will get in return.”
- “I think we are all better off if we have a system of government that encourages people to make compromises, and I think the Court plays a role in that.”
- “We need more women at all levels of government, and we need them in positions of leadership, decision-making, and authority.”
3. On Women and Gender Equality
- “I think we have to show that women can do everything that men can do and more. The world is full of problems that are begging for solutions, and if you’ve got something to offer, then offer it.”
- “I am a firm believer in the principle that there is no reason why a woman should not be able to do anything a man can do.”
4. On Civic Responsibility
- “The Constitution is a document of enduring principles. If you change the way it is applied, it will lose its meaning and its ability to adapt to the needs of society.”
- “I think it’s important to remember that the work of a judge is not to pick winners and losers, but to get the law right and to be fair to everyone who comes before the Court.”
5. On Compromise and Consensus
- “The idea of consensus is an important idea, especially in our society where we are dealing with such a multiplicity of diverse interests.”
- “I have learned that the role of a judge is not to please any one group, but to apply the law fairly and impartially.”
6. On Her Role as a Trailblazer
- “I am very proud of the fact that I am the first woman in this job, but I’d like to think that I’ll be remembered for my contributions to the law rather than my gender.”
- “There’s no question that I had a special role as the first woman on the Supreme Court, but I never let that define me or my work.”
7. On the Importance of Education
- “The most important thing in life is to have a good education. I encourage everyone to be lifelong learners.”
- “Education is the key to unlocking all the doors in life. If you can read, you can do anything.”
8. On the Supreme Court and the Constitution
- “The Supreme Court should not be a place where decisions are made based on personal opinions, but based on the law and the Constitution.”
- “I would like to be remembered as someone who helped make the Supreme Court a better place, someone who was fair, who listened carefully, and who applied the law as it was meant to be applied.”
9. On Her Judicial Philosophy
- “I was never one to believe that the Constitution was a living document, but I did believe that its principles could evolve with the changing needs of society.”
- “I think that the Constitution must be interpreted in light of the times, and its meaning must be understood within the context of our changing society.”
10. On the Importance of Integrity
- “One of the most important qualities for a judge is the ability to make decisions based on integrity. If you lack integrity, you lack credibility.”
- “You have to do the right thing, regardless of the pressures around you.”
These quotes illustrate Sandra Day O’Connor’s commitment to impartiality, fairness, and the rule of law. Her legacy continues to inspire both women in law and judges committed to upholding justice with respect and integrity.