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Statement from Justice Ann Walsh Bradley on the passing of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Madison, Wisconsin - December 4, 2023
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was a giant in the law, and her passing leaves a void both to those who knew her and those who knew of her. Her appointment to the United States Supreme Court in 1981 marked a turning point in the history of the judiciary in this country. As a trailblazer, shattering glass ceilings, she became the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.
I first knew Justice O'Connor as a member ofthe National Association of Women Judges, as she was promoting fair courts and the importance of an independent judiciary. After her retirement from the Supreme Court she put her efforts into advancing iCivics, a civics education program which she founded. I was fortunate to have joined her in a leadership role in Wisconsin, as I travelled around the state emphasizing the importance of her civics education program.
Justice O'Connor left an indelible mark on the development of law in this country and will be forever remembered for her integrity, unwavering commitment to the justice system, and dedication to the rule oflaw. Many of us miss her presence but her legacy lives on.