This collection consists primarily of speech notes on note cards and note paper handwritten by Judge Sarah T. Hughes. The notes cover speeches heard as well as delivered by Judge Hughes. Notable speech topics include the United Nations and world peace through common international law; American penal reform; dissent and civil disobedience; and women’s rights and the status of women in America.

Other textual and print materials include Judge Hughes's handwritten notes on her travels in Europe in the late 1950s and early 1960s; newspaper clippings; organization membership cards belonging to Judge Hughes; and other textual materials related to Judge Hughes.

Additionally, the collection contains a small number of photographs, copies and originals, of Judge Hughes.