Major Controversies Surrounding Sandra Day O'Connor: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Sandra Day O'Connor.

Sandra Day O'Connor was a pioneering American jurist who served as the first female Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1981 to 2006. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Prior to her Supreme Court tenure, O'Connor served as an Arizona state judge and legislator, becoming the first female majority leader of a state senate. Often described as a moderate conservative, she frequently acted as a swing vote on the Court, playing a crucial role in many landmark decisions.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1970: Vote on Abortion Bill

In 1970, Sandra Day O'Connor cast a preliminary vote in the Arizona State Senate in favor of a bill to repeal the state's criminal-abortion statute.

1974: Opinion on Abortion Measure

In 1974, Sandra Day O'Connor opined against a measure to prohibit abortions in some Arizona hospitals.

July 6, 1981: Reagan Chooses O'Connor

On July 6, 1981, President Reagan informed Judge O'Connor that she was his nominee for the Supreme Court, sparking controversy among his supporters.

1983: City of Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health

In 1983, O'Connor dissented in City of Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health, criticizing Roe v. Wade's "trimester approach".

1986: Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

In 1986, O'Connor criticized Roe v. Wade in Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, disputing the Court's attempt to discredit state abortion regulation.

1987: McCleskey v. Kemp Decision

In 1987, O'Connor joined a 5-4 majority in McCleskey v. Kemp, upholding the death penalty for an African American man despite statistical evidence of racial bias in death penalty sentencing.

1990: Missouri v. Jenkins Ruling

In the 1990 Missouri v. Jenkins ruling, O'Connor voted with the majority that Federal district courts had no authority to require the state of Missouri to increase school funding to counteract racial inequality.

1991: Freeman v. Pitts Case

In the 1991 case Freeman v. Pitts, O'Connor joined a concurring opinion agreeing that a school district formerly under judicial review for racial segregation could be freed of this review, even if not all desegregation targets had been met.

1995: Rosenberger v. University of Virginia Vote

In 1995, O'Connor voted in favor of religious institutions in the case of Rosenberger v. University of Virginia.

1995: Missouri v. Jenkins Ruling

In the 1995 Missouri v. Jenkins ruling, O'Connor voted with the majority that Federal district courts had no authority to require the state of Missouri to increase school funding to counteract racial inequality.

1996: Shaw v. Hunt and Shaw v. Reno

In 1996, O'Connor joined a Rehnquist opinion in Shaw v. Hunt and Shaw v. Reno, striking down an electoral districting plan designed to facilitate the election of Black representatives from North Carolina.

2000: Mitchell v. Helms Vote

In 2000, O'Connor voted in favor of religious institutions in the case of Mitchell v. Helms.

2000: Expressed regret over Bush v. Gore case

In 2000, Sandra Day O'Connor reflected on her time on the Supreme Court and expressed regret that the Court heard the Bush v. Gore case, stating it "stirred up the public" and "gave the Court a less-than-perfect reputation."