Before the Past, Present, and Future: O'Connor's Legacy

Fellow Boston-area liberal blogger Blue Mass Group has the definitive post on O'Connor. It helps that he clerked for O'Connor in 1994-1995. He discusses how O'Connor's presence shaped the Court, even in little ways by being the first woman (no longer could Justices refer to each other as "my Brother"). More importantly, he offers his take on how Justice O’Connor’s retirement might affect various important issues. I list just his ratings, but the post has detailed analysis of the issues. Go read it!

Affirmative Action: RED ALERT.

Choice/Abortion: RED ALERT.

Religion: RED ALERT.

Criminal Law: Yellow Alert.

Voting Rights: Yellow Alert.

Free Speech: Yellow Alert.

Gay Rights: Yellow Alert.

Civil Rights Laws: Yellow Alert.

Federalism: Condition Green.