Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? The Notorious RBG

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?: A Who Was? Board Book (Who Was? Board Books)

by Lisbeth Kaiser

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3560 KB
Print length	:	26 pages

FREE

: A Trailblazing Pioneer

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known affectionately as the Notorious RBG, was an extraordinary jurist who dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality. Her unwavering commitment to justice has inspired generations of Americans and made her an icon of the feminist movement.

Early Life and Education: A Brilliant Mind

Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933. Her father, a Russian immigrant, worked as a furrier while her mother, a homemaker, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a passion for justice. Ginsburg excelled academically and graduated from Cornell University with honors. She went on to earn a law degree from Columbia Law School, where she was one of only nine women in her class.

Legal Career: Breaking Barriers

After graduating law school, Ginsburg faced numerous challenges as a woman in the male-dominated legal profession. She was denied a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter due to her gender. Undeterred, Ginsburg went on to become a professor at Rutgers University Law School and later Columbia Law School, where she taught and wrote extensively about gender discrimination.

In 1971, Ginsburg co-founded the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Through the ACLU, she argued six landmark cases before the Supreme Court, including Reed v. Reed (1971),which established that women could not be discriminated against in administering estates.

Nomination to the Supreme Court: A Historic Moment

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter nominated Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She served on the D.C. Circuit for 13 years, where she became known for her sharp intellect and thoughtful opinions.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated Ginsburg to the Supreme Court. She was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 96-3, becoming the second female justice in the Court's history.

Legacy on the Supreme Court: A Champion for Equality

As a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg wrote groundbreaking opinions that advanced the cause of gender equality. In 1996, she authored the majority opinion in United States v. Virginia, which struck down the male-only admission policy of the Virginia Military Institute. In 2007, she wrote the majority opinion in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., which expanded the scope of the Equal Pay Act.

Ginsburg's unwavering commitment to justice extended beyond gender discrimination. She authored important opinions on voting rights, affirmative action, and the separation of church and state.

The Notorious RBG: A Cultural Icon

In her later years, Ginsburg became a cultural icon, affectionately known as the Notorious RBG. Her sharp wit, fierce determination, and feisty personality made her a favorite among fans of all ages. She was featured in countless articles, books, and documentaries, and even became the subject of an opera.

Passing and Legacy: An Enduring Symbol of Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on September 18, 2020, at the age of 87. Her death was met with widespread mourning and tributes from around the world.

Ginsburg's legacy lives on through her countless legal victories, her groundbreaking opinions, and her unwavering commitment to justice. She remains an inspiration to all who believe in the power of equality and the importance of fighting for what is right.

: A Force for Good

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a true pioneer who dedicated her life to making the world a more just and equitable place. Through her brilliant legal mind, her unwavering determination, and her infectious spirit, she left an enduring mark on American society. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?: A Who Was? Board Book (Who Was? Board Books)

by Lisbeth Kaiser

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3560 KB
Print length	:	26 pages

FREE