Sandra Day O'Connor is a prominent American jurist who made history as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, she played a crucial role in many landmark decisions during her tenure, which lasted until 2006. Before her Supreme Court appointment, O'Connor served as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals and held various political positions in Arizona. She is known for her moderate views and often served as a swing vote in important cases, influencing the direction of American law and society.