Judges Criticism in US

Sandra Day O’Connor Questions

(Spring 17)

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor as the first female justice of the United States Supreme Court. She was confirmed and served until her retirement in 2006.

Based on your reading of the article “My Exclusive Interview with Sandra Day O’Connor” by Marianne Schnall, please answer the questions below.

The criteria for grading will be the thoroughness of your answers, the depth of thought demonstrated in your answers and grammar and mechanics. You should not just parrot the answers from the article; they should be explained in your own words. Your answers need to be in full sentences with no typos.

1. When does Sandra Day O’Connor feel criticism of judges crosses a line and is inappropriate? Where does O’Connor think these types of judicial attacks stem from?

2. Why does O’Connor believe the separation of powers is such an important concept for children to learn?

According to her, why is the charge of “obstructing” another branch of the federal government an invalid argument?

3. Why does O’Connor believe it is so important that Americans have a commitment to the rule of law? Do you believe most Americans are committed to the rule of law? Explain.

4. Why does O’Connor believe that the idea of ‘popularity’ and the concept of ‘the rule of law’ really have nothing to do with each other?

How does Brown v. Board of Education illustrate this point?

5. According to O’Connor, how are children today, our teachers?

6. Do you think Sandra Day O’Connor is ultimately optimistic or pessimistic about the future of children and civic education? Explain.

7. How does O’Connor seem to feel about her being the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice? Had you heard of Sandra Day O’Connor before being assigned this article?