I've always said that at the end of the day, on a legal issue, I think a wise old woman and a wise old man are going to reach the same conclusion.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
(W)e do not count heads before enforcing the First Amendment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The First Amendment's rights should be upheld without discrimination or prior assessment of individuals.
Sandra Day O'Connor emphasizes that the fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, such as freedom of speech and expression, should be applied universally and without bias. It suggests that the rights of individuals must not be determined by popular opinion or the number of people who support them; rather, they are inherent rights that should be enforced equally for everyone.
Themes
First AmendmentFreedomRightsExpressionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a civic engagement event, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of protecting individual rights.
More from Sandra Day O'Connor
All quotes βIn order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity.
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In my work a good library is essential. It enables me to learn the background and previous discussions of the various issues I am called upon to decide. It provides the stability and continuity for the rule of law.
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The really expert riders of horses let the horse know immediately who is in control, but then they guide the horse with loose reins and very seldom use the spurs. So it was with our chief [William Rehnquist]. He guided us with loose reins and used the spurs only rarely to get us up to speed with our work.
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It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
It was better for me when I was joined at the court by a second woman. When I was there alone, there was too much media focus on the one woman, and the minute we got another woman, that changed.
Sandra Day O'ConnorRead
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