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)
2025 Honoree
Africa’s first elected female head of state to receive 2025 O’Connor Justice Prize
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected female head of state in Africa, has been named the 10th recipient of the O’Connor Justice Prize.
The award, administered by the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, was established in 2014 to honor the legacy of the school’s namesake, the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. It recognizes those who have made extraordinary efforts to advance the rule of law, justice and human rights around the world. An advisory board, spearheaded by Ambassador Barbara Barrett and the Honorable Ruth McGregor, choose each recipient annually who best embodies Justice O’Connor’s legacy of service.
Past Winners
Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
