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
When I went to law school, which after all was back in the dark ages, we never looked beyond our borders for precedents. As a state court judge, it never would have occurred to me to do so, and when I got to the Supreme Court, it was very much the same. We just didn't do it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the author's experience with a judicial approach that focused primarily on domestic precedents rather than international ones.
Sandra Day O'Connor's quote highlights a critical perspective on the judicial practices of her time, emphasizing how judges historically looked inward to their own legal systems and precedents rather than considering international laws and cases. This reflection points to a broader conversation about the evolution of legal thinking and the importance of expanding perspectives in the pursuit of justice.
Themes
LawPrecedentsJusticeEducationPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the need for legal systems to evolve with a global perspective.
More from Sandra Day O'Connor
All quotes →In 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.
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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.
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