On November 3, the Iran-Contra affair, an elaborate arms-for-hostages deal orchestrated by the Reagan Administration involving the Israelis, Iranians, and the Contras (anti-Communist guerillas in Central America), is revealed in a Lebanese Magazine.

On September 25, Sandra Day O'Connor becomed the first woman justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.  She is appointed by President Ronald Reagan.

The Equal Rights Amendment is passed by Congress on March 22 but is never ratified by the required number of states.