Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. delivered a heartfelt tribute to former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, celebrating her groundbreaking legacy as the first woman on the Supreme Court and her dedication to promoting civics and civility. The tribute took place during an award ceremony at Duke University, where Justice O’Connor was honored for her contributions to civics education.
Chief Justice Roberts praised Justice O’Connor for expanding the public perception of what a judge looks like and for raising awareness about the importance of being an engaged citizen. He emphasized her pivotal role as a crucial swing justice and described her as the most powerful woman in America.
Justice O’Connor was posthumously awarded the Bolch Prize for the Rule of Law, recognizing her lifetime achievements in promoting justice and civics education. The award was accepted by her son, Scott O’Connor.
The paths of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice O’Connor have crossed multiple times throughout their careers. Chief Justice Roberts assisted Justice O’Connor during her confirmation hearings in 1981, and later argued cases before her when he was a lawyer. In 2005, he succeeded her on the Supreme Court after her retirement.
Chief Justice Roberts highlighted Justice O’Connor’s trailblazing role as the first woman on the Supreme Court, noting the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field. He praised her commitment to promoting values that define the country and her efforts to pave the way for other women in the legal profession.
Justice O’Connor retired in 2006 to care for her husband, who was battling Alzheimer’s disease, but remained active in promoting civics education. Her legacy continues to inspire others, as four of the nine current Supreme Court justices are women, a testament to the barriers she broke and the path she paved for future generations.
