11th Annual O'Connor Justice Prize Dinner
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Honoring Sandra Day O'Connor's Legacy
The first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice O’Connor lived a life dedicated to public service and helped to shape our nation’s legal history. Her work was centered on upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. The O’Connor Justice Prize was established in 2014 to raise visibility for the rule of law initiatives, recognize people who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing the rule of law, justice, and human rights, and honor Justice O’Connor’s legacy.
The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor died on Dec. 1, 2023, at the age of 93.
“Commitment to the rule of law provides a basic assurance that people can know what to expect whether what they do is popular or unpopular at the time.”
– Sandra Day O’Connor, (1930-2023)
2026 Honoree
Stephen G. Breyer
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States
Stephen Breyer served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1994 to 2022. Known for his pragmatic and balanced approach to constitutional interpretation, he emphasized the importance of civic engagement, reasoned discourse and the role of law in improving society. His judicial philosophy of “active liberty” highlighted the need for courts to enable democratic participation and uphold the rule of law as a living principle.
Before his appointment to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton, Breyer clerked for Justice Arthur Goldberg, taught at Harvard Law School and served as chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
He helped establish the Federal Sentencing Guidelines as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and later served as chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Since retiring from the court, Breyer has returned to teaching and continues to write on constitutional interpretation and democratic governance.
Past Winners
Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
