Unanimous Senate confirmation as first woman justice

On September 21, 1981, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court by a vote of 99–0, formally clearing the way for her to become the first woman justice in the Court’s history.

O’Connor’s confirmation followed extensive hearings in which senators questioned her about her judicial philosophy, legislative record, and views on contentious issues such as abortion and gender equality. Despite initial opposition from a few advocacy groups, her performance during the hearings impressed both Republicans and Democrats, leading to a rare show of bipartisan consensus.

This unanimous vote was historically significant not only because it shattered the Court’s all‑male precedent but also because it showed that a woman could achieve broad support for one of the country’s most powerful legal roles. At a time when women comprised only a small fraction of federal judges and law partners, O’Connor’s confirmation signaled that gender barriers at the top of the profession were beginning to fall.

The event had immediate symbolic impact: law schools, bar associations, and women’s organizations celebrated; young women considering legal careers saw new possibilities. Over the longer term, her confirmation helped normalize the presence of women on the federal bench and in high office, contributing to steady growth in female representation in the judiciary and legal academia.