I noticed that O'Conner stood up but did not applaud.

[LiberalFighter]

Was she unable or didn't want to?

[hlthe2b]

1. Perhaps she felt uncomfortable applauding at a memorial...

The fact it was a very public event held in a sports stadium gave it a far more casual and less gravely serious atmosphere, but it was still a memorial, so it may have seemed inappropriate to her to have applause. :shrug:

[Empowerer]

2. Supreme Court justices don't applaud at speeches

Maybe that's been her practice for so long, she still adheres to it, even though she's retired.

[Papagoose]

12. at least she didn't shout at the President, Alito-style.

[Inuca]

17. Be fair, Alito did not shout

he just mumbled something and shook his head.

[justiceischeap]

3. She also seems to have very bad arthritis in her hands

If that's the case, I wouldn't think she'd be clapping.

[kestrel91316]

4. For those of her age, applause at a MEMORIAL SERVICE is inappropriate.

These days it's all the rage, but that's a very recent thing. I am divided as to how I feel about it, and the cheering and chanting. People are dead and grievously wounded and this is traditionally a somber time for serious reflection.

But people will do what moves them. Times change. She is just from another time.

[housewolf]

5. I agree with Empowerer's reply above

It's probably a hold-over from her days on the Supreme Court where all the judges make every attempt to not show their own personal opinions or reactions in public.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

6. SCOTUS judges are supposed to exercise apolitical response.

I'm a federal government appointee, and we cannot show outward political deference in similar settings. I think she's used to being apolitical in that way.

[madinmaryland]

7. She was THERE and she also gave Daniel Hernandez a big hug.

[rufus dog]

8. and a huge round of applause along with a huge smile

So she definitely clapped.

[elleng]

9. She did applaud Hernandez; don't know about the rest.

[nmbluesky]

10. i watch obama's speech again

She did applauded..

[Recursion]

11. Judicial habit; judges shouldn't applaud (nt)

[Thrill]

13. She appears to like Pres Obama

I've seen her at a few things. Like State Dinners and announcements for the two new justices

[stray cat]

14. Does it matter? Applause does not dispay ones heart

[Manifestor_of_Light]

15. Justices don't applaud at the State of the Union speech.

They are not supposed to.
I can see why she continued that practice, even though she is retired.

That's not the same thing as the Republicans "sitting on their hands". :rofl:

[jonnyblitz]

16. Extremely PETTY nitpicking. nt