Sandra Day O'Connor

Born in El Paso, Texas, Sandra Day O'Connor was raised on a cattle ranch in Arizona. She graduated from Stanford Law School, but despite her brilliance and top-tier education, she struggled to find work as a female attorney. She eventually found her way into public service, becoming the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in the Arizona State Senate.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed O'Connor to the Supreme Court, fulfilling a campaign promise to nominate a woman. Her confirmation was unanimous, and she quickly established herself as a moderate conservative, known for her pragmatic approach and ability to build consensus. Her jurisprudence was often characterized by a narrow focus on the facts of each case, avoiding broad pronouncements.

While O'Connor's tenure on the Court was marked by a commitment to judicial restraint, she did author several landmark opinions. Her most lasting legacy might be her consistent role as the swing vote in many 5-4 decisions, particularly on issues like abortion and affirmative action. This often led to both praise and criticism, as she was a justice who truly kept both sides guessing.

O'Connor retired from the Court in 2006, citing her husband's battle with Alzheimer's disease. She remained an advocate for judicial independence and civic education, proving that even after departing the highest court, there's still plenty of kvell-worthy work to be done. While not Jewish, her impact on American law is undeniable, making her someone we can still appreciate from a distance.