Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Trailblazer for Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as RBG, was an iconic figure in the pursuit of justice and equality. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a Supreme Court Justice serves as a testament to her determination and passion for legal advocacy.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Ginsburg faced various challenges and societal injustices from a young age. However, her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of education.

Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice

by Debbie Levy (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	137031 KB
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

Ginsburg excelled academically and attended Cornell University, where she met her future husband, Martin D. Ginsburg. After graduating as one of the top students in her class, she faced discrimination when applying to law schools due to her gender. Despite the obstacles, Ginsburg was accepted into Harvard Law School and became one of the few women in her class.

During her time at Harvard, Ginsburg initially struggled to balance her studies with family responsibilities. However, she persevered and transferred to Columbia Law School after her husband accepted a job in New York City. Ginsburg graduated at the top of her class from Columbia, earning her Juris Doctor degree.

Legal Career and Activism

Following her graduation, Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced numerous challenges in finding employment as a lawyer due to the prevailing gender bias in the legal profession. Undeterred, she became a pioneer in the field of gender equality law.

In the early stages of her career, Ginsburg taught at Rutgers Law School, where she co-founded the Women's Rights Law Reporter, the first law journal in the United States dedicated to gender equality issues.

As an advocate, she co-authored the first law casebook on sex discrimination, helping to raise awareness of the gender biases in the American legal system. Ginsburg argued several landmark cases on gender equality before the Supreme Court, winning five out of the six cases she presented.

One such groundbreaking case was Reed v. Reed in 1971, where she represented Sally Reed in challenging an Idaho law discriminating against women in estate administration. This case marked the first time the Court recognized that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment applied to women.

Appointment to the Supreme Court

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's impressive legal career and unwavering commitment to equality caught the attention of President Bill Clinton. In 1993, he nominated her for the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Ginsburg's confirmation hearings were rigorous, but her intelligence, expertise, and dedication ultimately led to her appointment.

Ginsburg went on to serve as a Supreme Court Justice for 27 years, making her mark as a powerful advocate for gender equality, civil liberties, and social justice. She was known for her insightful opinions and fierce dissents, often challenging the status quo and fighting for underrepresented voices.

Legacy and Impact

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's contributions to the field of law and her relentless pursuit of justice have left an indelible impact on American society. Her dedication to equality paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in the legal profession.

RBG's unwavering commitment to civil rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights made her an icon and a symbol of hope for many. She was a staunch defender of the Constitution and believed in the importance of protecting individual liberties.

Her influential presence on the Supreme Court propelled her to become a pop culture figure, inspiring a wave of merchandise, documentaries, and even a biographical film, "On the Basis of Sex." Her famous dissent collars became a symbol of her determination and resilience.

Whether it was fighting for gender equality or advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's journey to justice serves as a timeless reminder of the power of one individual to make a significant impact on society.

Although Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on September 18, 2020, her legacy continues to inspire and guide those who believe in the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

The journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. From her early struggles against discrimination to becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg's story serves as an inspiration for individuals fighting for equality and social change.

Her groundbreaking work and passionate advocacy have left an enduring impact on American law and society, shaping the landscape for generations to come. Ruth Bader Ginsburg will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a champion of justice.

Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice

by Debbie Levy (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	137031 KB
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

From the New York Times bestselling author of I Dissent comes a biographical graphic novel about celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a modern feminist icon—a leader in the fight for equal treatment of girls and women in society and the workplace. She blazed trails to the peaks of the male-centric worlds of education and law, where women had rarely risen before.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has often said that true and lasting change in society and law is accomplished slowly, one step at a time. This is how she has evolved, too. Step by step, the shy little girl became a child who questioned unfairness, who became a student who persisted despite obstacles, who became an advocate who resisted injustice, who became a judge who revered the rule of law, who became…RBG.