Shortlisted

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This book reconstructs a hidden chapter of women's history, focusing on qualified women considered for the Supreme Court but never nominated. It highlights their overlooked stories, revealing the political and personal sagas of those who were passed over. In 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice, marking a significant moment for women’s rights. However, many remarkable women were shortlisted before her, and this book gives nine of them the recognition they deserve, tracing back to the 1930s. Award-winning scholars Renee Knake Jefferson and Hannah Brenner Johnson utilize unpublished materials to illustrate the lives of these accomplished women, from Florence Allen, the first woman judge in Ohio, to Cornelia Kennedy, the first woman chief judge of a US district court. The book not only fills a historical gap but also exposes the harms of shortlisting, which creates an illusion of diversity while maintaining the status quo. This phenomenon affects women, especially minorities, who, despite being equally qualified, are less likely to be chosen for advancement. Through the stories of these nine women, the book offers strategies for addressing enduring injustices, making it essential reading for those seeking power and those who make selection decisions.