Sandra Day O'Connor

Retirement

Justice O'Connor was successfully treated for breast cancer in 1988 (she also had her appendix removed that year). One side effect of this experience was that there was perennial speculation over the next seventeen years that she might retire from the Court.

Related Topics:
Breast cancer - 1988

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On December 12, 2000, the Wall Street Journal reported O'Connor was reluctant to retire with a Democrat in office:

Related Topics:
December 12 - 2000

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At an Election Night party at the Washington, D.C., home of Mary Ann Stoessel, widow of former Ambassador Walter Stoessel, the justice's husband, John O'Connor, mentioned to others her desire to step down, according to three witnesses. But Mr. O'Connor said his wife would be reluctant to retire if a Democrat were in the White House and would choose her replacement. Justice O'Connor declined to comment. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3975/is_200304/ai_n9221306 http://www.time.com/time/pacific/magazine/20001225/poy_court.html

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By 2005, the membership of the Supreme Court had been static for eleven years, the second longest period without a change in the Court's composition in American history. Chief Justice William Rehnquist was widely expected to be the first justice to retire during President George W. Bush's term, due to his age and his battle with cancer. However, on July 1, 2005, it was O'Connor who announced her retirement. In her letter to President Bush she stated that her retirement from active service would take effect upon the confirmation of her successor.

Related Topics:
2005 - Chief Justice - William Rehnquist - President George W. Bush - July 1

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On July 19, 2005, President Bush nominated Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. to succeed Justice O'Connor, answering months of speculation as to Bush Supreme Court candidates. O'Connor heard the news over the car radio on the way back from a fishing trip. She felt he was an excellent and highly qualified choice, but was somewhat disappointed her replacement was not a woman.

Related Topics:
July 19 - 2005 - John G. Roberts, Jr. - Bush Supreme Court candidates

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On July 21, 2005 O'Connor spoke to a 9th US Circuit conference and blamed the televising of Senate Judiciary Committee hearings for escalated conflicts over judges. She expressed sadness over attacks on the independent judiciary, and praised President Reagan for opening doors for women.

Related Topics:
July 21 - 2005 - Senate Judiciary Committee

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O'Connor had expected to leave the high court before the start of the next term on October 3, 2005. However, on September 3, 2005, Rehnquist died (O'Connor spoke at his funeral). Two days later, President Bush withdrew Roberts as his nominee for O'Connor's seat and instead appointed him to fill the vacant office of Chief Justice. O'Connor agreed to stay on the court until her replacement was confirmed. On October 3, 2005, President Bush nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to replace O'Connor.

Related Topics:
October 3 - 2005 - September 3 - White House Counsel - Harriet Miers

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After she finally leaves the high court, O'Connor plans to travel, spend time with family, and, due to her fear of the attacks on judges by legislators, will work with the American Bar Association on a commission to help explain the separation of powers and the role of judges. She will also serve as the 23rd Chancellor of the College of William and Mary.

Related Topics:
American Bar Association - College of William and Mary

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Chancellorship at the College of William and Mary

On October 4, 2005, President Gene Nichol of the College of William and Mary announced that O'Connor had accepted the ceremonial role of Chancellor of the College, replacing Henry Kissinger, and following in the position held by Margaret Thatcher, Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, and President George Washington.

Related Topics:
October 4 - 2005 - Gene Nichol - College of William and Mary - Henry Kissinger - Margaret Thatcher - Warren E. Burger - George Washington

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