Affirmative Action: Justice O'Connor's Opinions

RS22191 -- Affirmative Action: Justice O'Connor's Opinions

Updated July 19, 2005

Summary

An examination of Justice O'Connor's opinions reveals a gradual shift in perspective regarding the legal and constitutional standards to be applied in evaluating governmental affirmative action efforts, and the manner of their application in various legal and factual settings. This report briefly surveys decisions of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in affirmative action cases, an area where her opinions have frequently determined the outcome.