Sandra Day O’Connor

Sandra Day O’Connor (1930–2023) was an American jurist and author who became the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, she served from 1981 to 2006 and was often a pivotal vote in closely divided cases. Born in El Paso, Texas, and raised on a ranch in Arizona, she studied at Stanford University and Stanford Law School. O’Connor previously worked as an Arizona assistant attorney general, served in the Arizona State Senate, and became its first female majority leader, later joining the Arizona judiciary. After retiring, she promoted civic education and wrote memoirs and books for young readers.