As members of the judiciary tasked with intervening to carry out the guarantee of equal protection, we ought not sit back and wish away, rather than confront, the racial inequality that exists in our society.

Don't mistake politeness for lack of strength.

Sometimes, even if there was no useful advice to give, I saw that listening still helped.

Reaching a conclusion has to start with what the parties are arguing, but examining in all situations carefully the facts as they prove them or not prove them, the record as they create it, and then making a decision that is limited to what the law says on the facts before the judge.

A role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, "Yes, someone like me can do this."

I think being a Catholic made me a better person. It taught me how to choose good over evil, and how to be a more caring human being.

I got a label because I was Hispanic and a woman and [therefore] I had to be liberal.