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
Statutes authorizing unreasonable searches were the core concern of the framers of the 4th Amendment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of the Fourth Amendment in protecting individuals from unjust searches and seizures.
Sandra Day O'Connor's quote highlights the foundational concerns of the framers of the Fourth Amendment—those concerns rooted in the belief that individuals should be safeguarded against unreasonable intrusions by the government. The framers understood that without such protections, personal liberties could be at risk, leading to abuses of power and violations of privacy.
Themes
Fourth AmendmentPrivacyRightsSearchesGovernment
In practice
Example use cases
During a legal seminar discussing the importance of constitutional rights.
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.
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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The 4th Amendment and the personal rights it secures have a long history. At the very core stands the right of a man to retreat into his own home and there be free from unreasonable governmental intrusion.
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