Talk with Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (March 15, 1933 – September 18, 2020) was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. Appointed by President Bill Clinton, she was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, after Sandra Day O'Connor. Before her judicial service, Ginsburg was an influential advocate for gender equality and women's rights.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ginsburg attended Cornell University, graduated from Columbia Law School, and began her career as a law professor and advocate of gender equality. She directed the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union during the 1970s, where she argued six landmark cases on gender equality before the U.S. Supreme Court.

As a judge, Ginsburg was known for her thoughtful and restrained style of jurisprudence and her fierce commitment to civil rights and liberties. She wrote many significant majority opinions as well as dissents, which were often noted for their clear exposition and deep reasoning, particularly on issues of gender discrimination, civil liberties, and workers' rights.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg became a cultural icon later in her life, often referred to by her nickname "Notorious R.B.G.," a play on the name of the rapper Notorious B.I.G. She was celebrated for her sharp mind and her persistent efforts in pushing for equality for all, regardless of gender. Her death marked the end of a long judicial career devoted to advancing the principles of justice and equality.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was instrumental in shaping the future of the U.S. Supreme Court through her extensive work as a jurist and her strong advocacy for gender equality and civil rights. Appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Ginsburg served until her death in 2020, during which time she made significant contributions in several areas:

1. Gender Equality: Ginsburg's legal career was marked by her efforts to combat gender discrimination. As an advocate and an attorney for the ACLU's Women's Rights Project, she strategically challenged laws that treated men and women unequally, aiming to create a more equitable legal framework. Her early victories in cases like Reed v. Reed (1971) helped lay the groundwork for her work on the Supreme Court, where she continued to support laws and policies that advanced the rights of women.

2. Legal Precedence and Interpretations: Ginsburg was known for her meticulous and thoughtful legal opinions. As a justice, she contributed to crucial majority opinions but was perhaps even more influential through her dissents, which have been cited by legal scholars and advocates as shaping future legal debates and movements. For example, her dissent in the case of Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007), which involved equal pay, was later addressed by Congress with the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009.

3. Civil Rights and Liberties: Beyond gender equality, Ginsburg also championed broader civil rights issues, including voting rights and rights for persons with disabilities. Her opinions often stressed the importance of equal protection under the law and the need for judicial scrutiny when dealing with laws that impact fundamental freedoms.

4. Professional Ethos: Ginsburg's commitment to professionalism, civility, and collegiality on the bench, despite ideological differences, helped maintain a level of decorum and respect among justices, which is essential for the functioning of the Supreme Court.

5. Cultural Impact: Ginsburg's status as a cultural icon, affectionately known as "Notorious RBG," has inspired a new generation to pursue careers in law and public service, potentially influencing the judicial landscape for years to come.

In summary, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's role in shaping the future of the U.S. Supreme Court lies in her profound influence on law through her committed advocacy for equality, her powerful judicial opinions, and her ability to inspire both legal professionals and the public.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced numerous health challenges during her tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment to her duties. She battled cancer multiple times, beginning with colon cancer in 1999, then pancreatic cancer in 2009, lung cancer in 2018, and again pancreatic cancer in 2019. Despite these challenges, Ginsburg rarely missed oral arguments. She even heard cases from her hospital bed after undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and participated in oral arguments from home during her treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Ginsburg also maintained a rigorous fitness routine, working out with a personal trainer multiple times a week, which she credited with helping her to maintain her stamina and recover from her health issues. This dedication to both her physical health and her judicial responsibilities highlighted her strong work ethic and determination to continue contributing to the court despite her health struggles.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced significant gender discrimination early in her career, both as a student and as a professional. Despite graduating at the top of her class from Columbia Law School in 1959, she struggled to find employment in law firms, which were reluctant to hire women at the time. Ginsburg’s early experiences with gender discrimination profoundly shaped her career and legal philosophy.

One of the key ways she addressed gender discrimination was through her work as a professor and later as a litigator. Ginsburg taught at Rutgers Law School and Columbia Law School, where she was one of the few female law professors and actively worked on gender equality issues. At Columbia, she became the first woman to attain a tenured position and co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1972.

As the director of the ACLU's Women's Rights Project, Ginsburg strategically selected cases that she believed would establish precedents for the equal treatment of men and women under the law. She argued six landmark cases on gender equality before the U.S. Supreme Court between 1973 and 1976, winning five of them. Her legal strategy was often nuanced, sometimes representing male plaintiffs to demonstrate that gender discrimination was harmful to both men and women.

Ginsburg’s advocacy and litigation work during this period led to significant legal advancements in gender equality in the United States, solidifying her role as a leading figure in the fight against gender discrimination. Her approach was both methodical and calculated, aimed at dismantling systemic gender discrimination through the legal system.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was known for her dedication to maintaining her physical fitness, even well into her older years. She famously worked out with her personal trainer, Bryant Johnson, whom she started working with in 1999 after her first battle with cancer. Her regimen became particularly renowned, especially after it was featured in the book "The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong ... and You Can Too!" penned by Johnson.

Her workout routine typically included a series of strength training exercises, using resistance bands, dumbbells, and machines. She also did various bodyweight exercises including push-ups, planks, and squats. Additionally, Ginsburg’s workout included sessions on the elliptical machine to maintain her cardiovascular health. Ginsburg’s commitment was noteworthy; she reportedly continued her workouts even during her tenure on the Supreme Court, often not beginning until after court sessions had ended for the day. This dedication to physical fitness not only contributed to her overall robustness but also symbolized her resilience and determination in her professional life and personal challenges.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg attended Harvard Law School starting in 1956. She was one of the few women in her class at Harvard. After her husband, Martin D. Ginsburg, took a job in New York City, she transferred to Columbia Law School. She graduated from Columbia in 1959, tied for first in her class.

Yes, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer. She died on September 18, 2020.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court on August 10, 1993, after being nominated by President Bill Clinton. She was the second woman ever to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Ruth Bader Ginsburg.