Born: 1933 (Brooklyn, New York)
Died: 2020
Biography:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American lawyer and jurist who made an indelible mark on the Supreme Court of the United States. Serving as an associate justice from 1993 until her passing on September 18, 2020, Ginsburg’s contributions to the law and her unwavering commitment to equality and justice transformed American jurisprudence.
Ginsburg’s path to the Supreme Court was paved with determination and resilience. Raised in a close-knit Jewish family, she faced early adversity with the loss of her older sister and the death of her mother shortly before her high school graduation. These early experiences shaped her character and fueled her drive to overcome obstacles throughout her life.
After earning her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, Ginsburg married Martin D. Ginsburg and started a family before embarking on her legal career. Despite societal expectations for women at the time, she fearlessly pursued her dream of becoming a lawyer. She enrolled at Harvard Law School, where she was among the few women in her class and faced discrimination. Undeterred, Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School, where she graduated joint first in her class.
During the early 1960s, Ginsburg’s experiences working with the Columbia Law School Project on International Procedure and her time spent in Sweden significantly influenced her views on gender equality. Her exposure to different legal systems and her collaboration with Swedish jurist Anders Bruzelius opened her eyes to the stark disparities between men and women under the law. These experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong advocacy for gender equality.
Ginsburg’s career as a lawyer and professor exemplified her dedication to equal rights. As a volunteer attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), she argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court, consistently challenging laws that discriminated on the basis of gender. Ginsburg’s strategic approach and deep legal knowledge made her a formidable force in the courtroom. Alongside her role as a litigator, she served on the board of directors and as one of the general counsels for the ACLU during the 1970s.
In recognition of her exceptional legal acumen and expertise, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1980. She served with distinction in this role until her historic appointment to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Ginsburg became the second woman to ever serve on the Court, following in the footsteps of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg was a steady voice for justice and equality. She authored numerous landmark majority opinions, including United States v. Virginia (1996), which struck down the Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admission policy, and Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), which affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities to live in the community. Ginsburg’s opinions demonstrated her commitment to a more inclusive and just society.
As her tenure progressed, Ginsburg gained recognition for her passionate dissents. She fearlessly articulated her liberal views in notable cases like Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007), advocating for stronger protections against gender-based pay discrimination. Ginsburg’s thoughtful and eloquent dissents gained her a devoted following and earned her the nickname the Notorious R.B.G., a moniker she embraced wholeheartedly.
Beyond her legal achievements, Ginsburg’s enduring impact on society is immeasurable. As a trailblazer for women’s rights, her presence on the Supreme Court was an inspiration to generations of women. Ginsburg’s unwavering commitment to equality and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights laid the foundation for progress in gender equality and fundamentally shaped the fabric of American society.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy as a champion for justice and a defender of equality will continue to resonate for years to come. Her profound contributions to American jurisprudence and her unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution ensure that her memory will endure as an inspiration to future generations.
Awards:
– 2019 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture
– 2009 Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center
– 2002 American Bar Association Medal
– 2001 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Law
– 2000 Swedish Royal Order of the Polar Star
– 1999 Thurgood Marshall Award from the American Bar Association
– 1999 Woman of Achievement Award from the National Association of Women Lawyers
– 1996 Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement
– 1993 Thurgood Marshall Award from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
– 1992 National Women’s Hall of Fame inductee.