A fundamental premise of American democratic theory is that government exists to serve the people. ... Public records are one portal through which the people observe their government, ensuring its accountability, integrity, and equity while minimizing sovereign mischief and malfeasance
Sandra Day O'ConnorI had become increasingly concerned in recent years about the lack of civics education in our nation's schools. In recent years, the schools have stopped teaching it. And it's unfortunate.
Sandra Day O'ConnorI care very much about women and their progress. I didn’t go march in the streets, but when I was in the Arizona Legislature, one of the things that I did was to examine every single statute in the state of Arizona to pick out the ones that discriminated against women and get them changed.
Sandra Day O'ConnorI think the important thing about my appointment is not that I will decide cases as a woman, but that I am a woman who will get to decide cases.
Sandra Day O'ConnorUnfortunately civility is hard to codify or legislate, but you know it when you see it. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable.
Sandra Day O'ConnorHistorically, it took a long time before the court took any women law clerks. Finally, it did, but the numbers have never matched very effectively the percentages of law graduates out of graduating classes. We have far more than we ever did before and it's continued to grow, but it isn't a nice match yet.
Sandra Day O'Connor