The Aporia · Today in Supreme Court History: September 21, 1981

Today in Supreme Court History: September 21, 1981

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Blackman, J. (2026, September 21). Today in Supreme Court History: September 21, 1981. Reason. https://reason.com/volokh/2026/09/21/today-in-supreme-court-history-september-21-1981-7/

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On September 21, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the first female Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She served on the bench until her retirement in January 2006 and is remembered for her centrist views that often provided crucial swing votes on landmark cases during her tenure. Her appointment marked a significant moment in American legal history, breaking the male-only tradition at the highest court level.

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