Apparently a great many people have forgotten that the framers of our Constitution went to such great effort to create an independent judicial branch that would not be subject to retaliation by either the executive branch or the legislative branch because of some decision made by those judges.
Sandra Day O'ConnorI suspect that over time we will rely increasingly, or take notice at least increasingly, on international and foreign courts in examining domestic issues. [Doing so] may not only enrich our own country's decisions, I think it may create that all important good impression.
Sandra Day O'ConnorThe whole idea of a public education was to train young people about how our system of government works, so they could be good citizens and be part of it. We're not doing that today.
Sandra Day O'ConnorI'm not on the court anymore, so no use looking for my philosophy. If somebody's waiting for that, they can wait for another justice.
Sandra Day O'ConnorYou have to answer the question, like it or not. And the questions deserve a valid legal response, even if the response isn't one that will be easily understood. You have an obligation as a member of the court to do what you are bound to do under federal law, even if it isn't an attractive resolution from a public standpoint.
Sandra Day O'Connor