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
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.
In practice
During a legal seminar discussing the importance of constitutional rights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.
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.
I will not say with Lord Hale, that "The Law will admit of no rival" . . . but I will say that it is a jealous mistress, and requires a long and constant courtship. It is not to be won by trifling favors, but by lavish homage.
The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
The Sixth Amendment secures to persons charged with crime the right to be tried by an impartial jury reflecting a fair cross-section of the community.
In the last analysis, our every right is only worth what our lawyer makes it worth.
The constitution controls any legislative act repugnant to it.
All of the legal defense funds out there, they're looking for people out there with court of appeals experience, because court of appeals is where policy is made. And I know, I know this is on tape and I should never say that because we don't make law, I know. I know.
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