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Sandra Day O'Connor Quotes

1930–2023 United States

Sandra Day O'Connor (March 26, 1930 – December 1, 2023) was an American jurist. She served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1981 until she retired from the bench in January 2006.

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Also known as: O'Connor, Sandra Day

Random Sandra Day O'Connor quote

5 quotes

The proper role of the judiciary is one of interpreting and applying the law, not making it.

It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.

It is true that many Americans find the Commandments in accord with their personal beliefs. But we do not count heads before enforcing the First Amendment.

I do not believe it is the function of the judiciary to step in and change the law because the times have changed. I do well understand the difference between legislating and judging. As a judge, it is not my function to develop public policy.

The Constitution does not protect the sovereignty of States for the benefit of the States or state governments as abstract political entities, or even for the benefit of the public officials governing the States. To the contrary, the Constitution divides authority between federal and state governments for the protection of individuals.

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Sandra Day O'Connor (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.