Remembering Justice O’Connor: Supreme Court’s Past and Present Unite

Current and former members of the Supreme Court have gathered to honor the legacy of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female member of the nation’s highest court who passed away on March 13 at the age of 88. The 2021 Supreme Court portrait, released to commemorate the legacy of Justice O’Connor, reveals a unique link among the current and former justices. The image of the Court includes all eight living members of the current bench, along with the portraits of the three justices who served on the Court with O’Connor. Justice O’Connor was appointed to the Court in 1981 and retired in 2006, leaving behind a record of service that included more than three decades of rulings on a wide range of controversial issues. During her tenure, she brought a moderate conservative voice to the Court and was known for her willingness to compromise and reach bipartisan agreements. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who filled O’Connor’s seat on the Supreme Court, said, “The overarching ethic was balance. She was both a trailblazer and a consensus builder. And her influence shows in countless decisions to which she contributed.” Justice Stephen Breyer echoed those remarks, saying, “She did not see the legal issues dividing us so much as leading us together.” The portrait of the Court will serve as a reminder of O’Connor’s profound impact on the law and attests to her unique ability to bring diverse views together. President Joe Biden lauded O’Connor’s achievements, saying, “Justice O’Connor’s lasting legacy is the way she showed us all that fastidious commitment to principle and fairness instead of politics is the right way to serve on the Supreme Court.” On Sunday, family and friends gathered at the Supreme Court to remember O’Connor and celebrate her life. Chief Justice John Roberts said during the remembrance, “Her spirit will be in this building for as long as it stands.” Justice O’Connor undoubtedly changed the face of the Supreme Court with her groundbreaking appointment, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. Current and former members of the Supreme Court have gathered to honor the legacy of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female member of the nation’s highest court who passed away on March 13 at the age of 88. The 2021 Supreme Court portrait, released to commemorate the legacy of Justice O’Connor, reveals a unique link among the current and former justices. The image of the Court includes all eight living members of the current bench, along with the portraits of the three justices who served on the Court with O’Connor. Justice O’Connor was appointed to the Court in 1981 and retired in 2006, leaving behind a record of service that included more than three decades of rulings on a wide range of controversial issues. During her tenure, she brought a moderate conservative voice to the Court and was known for her willingness to compromise and reach bipartisan agreements. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who filled O’Connor’s seat on the Supreme Court, said, “The overarching ethic was balance. She was both a trailblazer and a consensus builder. And her influence shows in countless decisions to which she contributed.” Justice Stephen Breyer echoed those remarks, saying, “She did not see the legal issues dividing us so much as leading us together.” The portrait of the Court will serve as a reminder of O’Connor’s profound impact on the law and attests to her unique ability to bring diverse views together. President Joe Biden lauded O’Connor’s achievements, saying, “Justice O’Connor’s lasting legacy is the way she showed us all that fastidious commitment to principle and fairness instead of politics is the right way to serve on the Supreme Court.” On Sunday, family and friends gathered at the Supreme Court to remember O’Connor and celebrate her life. Chief Justice John Roberts said during the remembrance, “Her spirit will be in this building for as long as it stands.” Justice O’Connor undoubtedly changed the face of the Supreme Court with her groundbreaking appointment, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.