The first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court has died. Sandra Day O'Connor was 93.
Her independent thinking and well-researched opinions made her a pivotal vote in controversial cases.
O'Connor was appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1981. She retired in 2006.
President George W. Bush nominated Samuel Alito to replace her. Following a 58-42 vote in the U.S. Senate, Alito took his oath of office on Jan. 31, 2006.
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