Former SCOTUS Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Dies at 93

What's the story?

• Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female judge on the Supreme Court, has died at 93 from complications linked to dementia and a respiratory illness. 
• O'Connor was appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1981 and sat on the court for over 24 years until her retirement in 2006. She was known as a conservative moderate with a balanced approach to a wide range of legal topics.
• She often voted in favor of women's rights, environmental rights, and voting rights throughout her career. She sided with her liberal colleagues on affirmative action and abortion rights.
• Speaking on affirmative action, she said:

"Affirmative action's benefits are not theoretical, but real. Effective participation by members of all racial and ethnic groups in the civic life of our nation is essential if the dream of one nation, indivisible, is to be realized."

A lasting legacy

• During her tenure, the court was often called the "O'Connor court," as she was often referred to as the most powerful woman in America.
• Prior to her appointment, she had served in the legislative branch of state government, spending five years in the Arizona Senate.
• Justice O'Connor was active in law during her retirement. She sat as a visiting judge on federal appeals courts around the country and advocated in support of judicial independence and civics education.
• Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, called her:

"One of the true historic figures of the 20th century."

Will you celebrate her legacy?

-Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: John Duricka / AP file)