Ms. JD Summer Book Series: Sandra Day O'Connor, By: Joan Biskupic

Sandra Day O'Connor: How the First Woman on the Supreme Court Became Its Most Influential Justice, By: Joan Biskupic

In this biography of Sandra Day O'Connor, author Joan Biskupic takes the reader through the life of O'Connor, from her early days on the Lazy B Ranch through her time on the Supreme Court.  Biskupic portrays O'Connor as a sharp-witted, intelligent, and lively member of the Supreme Court. 

As a longtime court observer and journalist, Biskpuic is able to reveal much about O'Connor's life due to the use of the justices' once private papers.  The author specifically pays attention to O'Connor as the first female justice on the Supreme Court.  In one anecdote, Biskupic recounts a story of when the Supreme Court Justices were discussing a case.  During the discussion, Justice Scalia spoke out against affirmative action.  O'Connor replied: "Why, Nino, how do you think I got my job?

Remarks by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg [Clippings]

Lily has written a pair of blog posts recounting a reception and CLE course that she attended with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg this week. Read about Justice Ginsburg's remarks here and here [Owens Rhetoric via Blawg's Blog].

Mentoring --> Sisterhood --> Supreme Court?

I cannot help but wish that three or four more women were sitting on the US Supreme Court. This will happen. A clutch of women Supreme Court Justices would be very visible role models, but until then we can celebrate the women lawyers who are federal judges, state supreme court judges, civil rights lawyers, politicians, and partners in law firms. I think that the power and influence of positive role models cannot be understated. In that vein, a woman in the legal profession needs a mentor to give wisdom in the form of cautionary tales, guidance and advice.

Supreme Court Builds Barrier to Equal Pay for Women

Another barrier has just been built as 5 men on the US Supreme Court (guess who?!) have ruled against a woman's pay discrimination claim. While I have not been able to read the opinion, the article clearly indicates that the majority author of the opinion, Alito, would like to find any way possible to deny relief to the woman, citing her failure to file a grievance after each and every paycheck. Ginsberg's heated dissent is right on point and fires back at the all male majority. I think people, including many women and this Supreme Court are far too quick to ignore discrimination against women or simply justify the inequities in the workplace. Frankly, it pisses me off!

Read more about the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. decision [links to New York Times].