Thursday, September 21, 2006

25 years ago today, Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female Justice of the United States Supreme Court. She remained on the bench until earlier this year. Known, especially toward the end of her tenure, as a "swing vote," whose stance on a ruling often tilted the decision of the court, Justice O'Connor's moderate sensibilities placed her in a very powerful position. Her temperment guaranteed that she would be remembered not only for her historical significance, but also for her formidable record on the bench.