AFJ Mourns Passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 1, 2023 - News broke today that Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has died at age 93. Appointed by President Reagan in 1981, O'Connor was the first woman justice and she served until her retirement in 2006.

Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks issued the following statement:

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, a true trailblazer who changed the course for women judges and justices. While we may not have agreed with every decision she authored, Justice O'Connor stood for a kind of justice that we admire: a true free thinker who sought compromise and emphasized fidelity to the rule of law. Today's justices would be wise to emulate her example and refuse to bow to petty partisan interests. What better way to honor Justice O'Connor's legacy and commitment to the founding principle of an independent judiciary? We extend our condolences to the justice's friends, family, and colleagues in this time of grief."