Final answer:
Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female Supreme Court Justice, nominated by President Reagan in 1981. She was known for her pragmatism and moderate decisions, including upholding the legality of abortion under Roe v. Wade, challenging partisan expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sandra Day O'Connor is a notable figure in the legal history of the United States. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, O'Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice in 1981, a significant milestone for women's representation in the highest court. Although she had a conservative orientation, she did not strictly follow partisan expectations and was known for her moderate and pragmatic approach to the law.
Despite being appointed by a conservative president, O'Connor often became a champion for women's rights and displayed an independent streak in decision-making. This independence was exemplified by her stance on cases related to Roe v. Wade, where she upheld the legality of abortion with certain restrictions, much to the surprise and sometimes disappointment of some conservative supporters.
Her time on the Supreme Court left a lasting impact on the American legal landscape, and her work is discussed in her book, The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice, and in The Supreme Court by William Rehnquist.