Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. pays tribute to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at Bolch Prize event held at Duke University

Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was honored as the 2024 recipient of the Bolch Prize for the Rule of Law at a private ceremony held at Duke University on April 4, 2024. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. delivered remarks and presented a slideshow commemorating Justice O’Connor’s remarkable life and contributions, while Scott O’Connor accepted the award on behalf of his late mother.

The Bolch Prize, bestowed annually by the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School, recognizes individuals or organizations for their exceptional efforts to advance and uphold the rule of law. During the ceremony, Justice O’Connor was lauded for her tireless dedication to civic education, particularly through her founding of iCivics, a nonprofit established in 2009 to promote civic engagement among young Americans.

Chief Justice Roberts reflected on Justice O’Connor’s post-retirement endeavors, emphasizing her continued commitment to public service. He praised her for extending her influence beyond the bench, noting her extensive travels, federal court appointments, and the establishment of iCivics as significant contributions to civic education and discourse in the United States.

The ceremony also featured remarks from various dignitaries, including Duke Law School Dean Kerry Abrams, Susan Bass Bolch (cofounder of the Bolch Judicial Institute), Lisa Kern Griffin (Duke Law professor and former law clerk to Justice O’Connor), Paul W. Grimm (director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and retired federal judge), and David F. Levi (president of The American Law Institute).

Scott O’Connor expressed gratitude on behalf of the O’Connor family and shared personal anecdotes about his mother’s unwavering dedication to democracy and the rule of law. He highlighted Justice O’Connor’s global impact through her work with the CEELI and emphasized her belief in the importance of judicial independence and the preservation of democratic principles.

Professor Griffin provided insights into Justice O’Connor’s leadership style and character, recalling her warmth, humor, and profound optimism. She underscored Justice O’Connor’s enduring legacy, particularly her commitment to civil discourse and civic education through initiatives like iCivics, which continue to inspire future generations of engaged citizens.