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
It is a measure of the framers' fear that a passing majority might find it expedient to compromise 4th Amendment values that these values were embodied in the Constitution itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The framers of the Constitution feared that a transient majority could jeopardize fundamental rights, thus enshrining those rights in the Constitution.
This quote by Sandra Day O'Connor emphasizes the deep concern of the framers of the Constitution regarding the potential for a fleeting majority to undermine essential constitutional values, particularly those found in the 4th Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. It highlights the foresight of the framers in establishing a permanent safeguard for individual rights, ensuring that these values cannot be easily swayed by the whims of popular opinion. By embedding these principles into the Constitution itself, they aimed to create a stable and enduring framework for justice and liberty.
Themes
Constitution4Th AmendmentRightsDemocracyMajorityFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on constitutional law, you might reference this quote to discuss the importance of safeguarding 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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