Sandra Day O'Connor Quotations | Page 2

I think people know very little, really, about the court, how it works and its history. And both of those things are important in our country, but they're not things that most citizens know much about.

The proper role of the judiciary is one of interpreting and applying the law, not making it.

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.

The Constitution does not protect the sovereignty of States for the benefit of the States or state governments as abstract political entities, or even for the benefit of the public officials governing the States. To the contrary, the Constitution divides authority between federal and state governments for the protection of individuals.

I do not believe it is the function of the judiciary to step in and change the law because the times have changed. I do well understand the difference between legislating and judging. As a judge, it is not my function to develop public policy.

So how as a nation can we sit around and eat Mexican food, and drink beer and make friends? That's the question. If we can do that on a broader scale, I think we'll come out of it all right.

The family unit plays a critical role in our society and in the training of the generation to come.

The power I exert on the court depends on the power of the power of my arguments, not my gender

I think I learned to appreciate and treasure each day, because you don't know how many you're going to be given.

As a citizen, you need to know how to be a part of it, how to express yourself - and not just by voting.

This chance will stand before you only once.

How dare you make my life a felony.

Be aware that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live.

Unfortunately civility is hard to codify or legislate, but you know it when you see it. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

We don't accomplish anything in this world alone.