Justices Ginsburg, O'Connor speak at U.

Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke on issues of gender and justice at a conference at the Zellerbach Theatre yesterday. O'Connor, who opened the conference entitled "Women in Judging: Transforming the Image of Justice," concentrated her talk on her experience in becoming the first female Supreme Court justice. "As soon as I was nominated, I received a flood of letters from women on how important it was to have women on the Supreme Court," O'Connor said in her opening remarks. In addition to O'Connor and Ginsburg, seven distinguished female judges -- all University Law School alumnae -- spoke at the conference. They all agreed that it was beneficial to have other female judges serving with them as they began their judgeships. "I'm glad that I had Sandra to inform me of some of the 'unwritten rules' of the Supreme Court," Ginsburg said. Following the speeches, a panel discussion led by Law School professor Barbara Woodhouse addressed how women with similar aspirations can break the "judicial glass ceiling" to become judges. The panelists said that service in the community is important if one wants to pursue a career as a judge. "I would definitely say that the career path of public service is key," said Norma Shapiro, a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Panelists also discussed the difficulties of learning the intricacies of their jobs. "There's no how-to-do-it manual at the Supreme Court," O'Connor said. Law School Professor Susan Sturm moderated the second discussion concentrating on how women contribute to the justice system. Sturm asked the judges if being a woman has ever affected any of their rulings on cases. "I cannot help but feel some compassion," said Sue Robinson, a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. "But that doesn't mean I don't send them to jail or don't give them the maximum sentence." The Supreme Court justices also presented awards to four local students who competed in an essay competition focusing on the role of female judges. "I think that there should be more female judges," said fourth-grader Maribeth Hohenstein, who was recognized for her essay. "They might make the difference in some cases." "Gender is not entirely absent," University of California at Los Angeles Law Professor Carrie Menkel-Meadow said. "The rule of law trumps any gender difference." The conference was simultaneously broadcast on ResNet so students unable to get tickets would be able to view the discussions. First year Law student Danielle Rembert, who attended the forum, said she found it informative and thought-provoking. "Specifically, the best part of the discussion was that there were a number of different views expressed," Rembert said. "I feel that's what made it rich." The conference was sponsored by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the Law School.

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