The late retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s death at the age of 93, has led to a heartfelt tribute from Chief Justice John Roberts. This tribute was given at the start of an argument session that took place on Monday. Justice O’Connor was remembered through the memorial drapery set on the courtroom door, a visual display of mourning for her loss.
During oral arguments in the bankruptcy case of Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, Roberts recalled important details of O’Connor’s life. He brought up O’Connor’s beginnings on the Lazy B ranch in Arizona, reflecting on her birth in El Paso, Texas, and her self-declared identity, a ‘cowgirl from the Arizona desert’.
Roberts continued with some highlights of O’Connor’s rise, such as her graduation from Stanford University and its law school in the third rank, her trial and tribulations in finding legal work as she took an unpaid role when no law firm would hire her, and her subsequent ventures into state government and Arizona politics.
Alluding to O’Connor’s historic achievement, Roberts detailed her nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States by President Reagan in August 1981, leading to a unanimous confirmation and marking her as the first woman on the Supreme Court. He did not delve into his role in supporting O’Connor during her confirmation hearing in his early years as a lawyer in the Reagan administration.
O’Connor’s zeal for life and work ethic were also highlighted by Roberts. He commented on her tireless efforts towards the progression of the Supreme Court, her variety of hobbies and her tireless commitment towards promoting collegiality among the justices. Roberts concluded his tribute by acknowledging how she made the country better through her work and person.
A traditional memorial service by the court and the Supreme Court Bar will be held in the courtroom at a suitable time. After paying the tribute, Roberts swiftly moved on to the proceedings of the day, signifying the need for resilience and continuation of the legacy built by figures like O’Connor.
The tribute provided by Roberts was reported by illustrious author Mark Walsh, a regular contributor to
SCOTUSblog.