Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Notable and Influential Icon of Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, lovingly known as the ‘Notorious RBG’, was an American lawyer, jurist, and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her passing in 2020. Throughout her career, she made groundbreaking contributions to the legal system and became a symbol of hope and inspiration for many. But what exactly made Ruth Bader Ginsburg famous? Let’s dive into her remarkable journey and find out.

Her Early Life and Education

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents. Her mother, Celia, taught her the value of education and instilled in her a strong sense of justice. Despite facing discrimination as a woman in that era, she excelled in her studies and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then attended Harvard Law School, where she was one of only nine women in a class of over 500. Despite facing gender discrimination, she graduated top of her class and later transferred to Columbia Law School to complete her studies.

Championing Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

After law school, Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced difficulty finding employment due to her gender. But she persisted and, in 1960, she became the first female member of the Harvard Law Review. Throughout the 1960s, she tackled gender discrimination in the workplace and co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Her landmark case was Reed v. Reed, in which she argued that the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment should also protect women against discrimination. This case marked the first time that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of women’s rights.

In the 1970s, Ruth Bader Ginsburg continued her advocacy for women’s rights and successfully argued several other cases before the Supreme Court, such as Frontiero v. Richardson, which challenged the gender bias in the military’s dependent benefits policy. In 1980, she was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, becoming the second female judge in the history of the court. During her time on the court, she continued to fight for gender equality and also became known for her strong dissents in cases where the majority decision went against the protection of civil rights.

The Notorious RBG on the Supreme Court

In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court, and she was confirmed by the Senate in a landslide 96-3 vote. She became the second female justice in the history of the Supreme Court, thus making history once again. On the court, she continued to advocate for gender equality and civil rights, and her opinions often challenged the status quo. Some of her notable majority opinions include United States v. Virginia, which struck down the male-only admissions policy at Virginia Military Institute, and Shelby County v. Holder, which declared a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 unconstitutional. Her dissents in cases such as Ledbetter v. Goodyear and Harris v. Quinn became rallying cries for activists and advocates, and even earned her the nickname ‘The Dissenter’.

Her Legacy

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s impact goes beyond her work on the court. She became a pop culture icon and an inspiration for many, especially for women and girls. Her fight for gender equality and women’s rights paved the way for future generations, and her legacy will continue to shape the legal system for years to come. She also served as a role model for her unwavering commitment to the law and her ability to bridge gaps and build consensus, even with opposing viewpoints.

On September 18, 2020, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. In her final days, she asked that her dying wish be that her seat on the Supreme Court remain vacant until a new president was installed. Her passing sparked widespread mourning and tributes from people all over the world, highlighting the immense impact she had on so many lives.

Conclusion

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s journey from facing discrimination as a young lawyer to becoming an influential and beloved justice on the Supreme Court is nothing short of remarkable. Her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice and equality has made her one of the most iconic and influential figures in American history. Her legacy will continue to inspire and empower future generations to