Reaction to the death of former US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Here are reactions to the death of retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, whose centrist views and shrewd negotiating skills allowed her to steer the nation's law for much of her quarter-century tenure:

U.S. SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS

"A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O'Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation's first female Justice. She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor.

"We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law, and an eloquent advocate for civics education. And we celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot."

CRISTINA RODRÍGUEZ, PROFESSOR AT YALE LAW SCHOOL AND FORMER LAW CLERK TO O'CONNOR

"She was a remarkable human being who brought indispensable practical wisdom to her work on the court. I hope her era will be remembered and learned from."

EUGENE VOLOKH, PROFESSOR AT UCLA LAW SCHOOL AND FORMER LAW CLERK TO O'CONNOR

"She had one of the great careers in American law: Not only as the first woman Supreme Court justice, but also as a successful political leader with the ability to bring people together. Through it all, she always acted not just with resolve and honor, but with grace and kindness. She was a great judge, and a great American."

(Reporting by John Kruzel; Additional reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Scott Malone and Richard Chang)