Janeva Parker

Written by Janeva Parker

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

49-facts-about-ruth-bader-ginsburg
Source: Townandcountrymag.com

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an iconic figure in American history, renowned for her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. As the second female justice to serve on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg became a trailblazer for women’s rights, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape of the United States. Throughout her remarkable career, she fought tirelessly for gender equality, civil rights, and social justice, earning her the admiration and respect of millions around the world. Beyond her legal prowess, Ginsburg’s life story is filled with fascinating facts that shed light on her incredible journey. In this article, we will explore 49 intriguing facts about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from her early life and education to her groundbreaking achievements and enduring legacy. Join us as we delve into the life of this extraordinary woman who forever changed the course of American jurisprudence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as “The Notorious RBG,” was a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice who fought for gender equality, civil rights, and voting rights throughout her influential career.
  • Despite facing health challenges, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s unwavering dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire future generations, leaving behind a powerful and enduring legacy.
Table of Contents

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York.

Known for her intelligence and determination, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a highly influential figure in American jurisprudence. She grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn, which shaped her values and commitment to social justice.

She was the second female justice to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1993, becoming the second woman ever to serve as a Supreme Court Justice after Sandra Day O’Connor.

Ginsburg graduated first in her class from Columbia Law School.

Ginsburg’s exceptional academic achievements were early indicators of the knowledge and expertise she would bring to the field of law.

She was a strong advocate for gender equality.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated much of her legal career to fighting for gender equality and women’s rights. Her groundbreaking work as a lawyer helped pave the way for significant changes in legislation and court rulings.

Ginsburg’s nickname was “The Notorious RBG.”

Throughout her career, Ruth Bader Ginsburg gained a cult following with her progressive views and fierce determination. Her nickname, “The Notorious RBG,” was a play on the rapper Notorious B.I.G. and a testament to her iconic status.

She was the first Supreme Court Justice to officiate a same-sex wedding.

Ginsburg was known for her support of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2013, she officiated the wedding of a same-sex couple, making history and showing her dedication to equality.

Ginsburg wrote several influential opinions during her time on the Supreme Court.

Known for her eloquence and analytical approach, Ginsburg authored numerous important opinions, including those addressing gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and voting rights.

She was a survivor of multiple battles with cancer.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced several health challenges throughout her life, including bouts with colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. Despite these obstacles, she remained resilient and continued to serve on the Supreme Court.

Ginsburg was known for her striking collars.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was often seen wearing a variety of distinctive collars, which became a signature style statement. Each collar had its own significance and added a touch of flair to her robe.

She was an advocate for voting rights.

Throughout her career, Ginsburg fought to protect and expand the voting rights of all citizens. She believed in the fundamental importance of every individual’s voice in the democratic process.

Ginsburg was a champion of civil rights.

Beyond her work on gender and LGBTQ+ rights, Ruth Bader Ginsburg played a vital role in advancing civil rights for all Americans. She believed in the power of the law to bring about positive change.

She was passionate about opera.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a deep love for opera and was known to frequent performances. She even made cameo appearances in a few operas, showcasing her diverse interests outside the courtroom.

Ginsburg was the co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU.

Before being appointed to the Supreme Court, Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). This project aimed to fight gender discrimination through strategic litigation and advocacy.

She served on the Supreme Court for over 27 years.

Ginsburg’s tenure on the Supreme Court spanned several decades, making her one of the longest-serving justices in history. Her impact on the court and American society was profound.

Ginsburg was known for her rigorous work ethic.

Throughout her career, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was renowned for her tireless dedication to her work. She approached each case with meticulous attention to detail and thorough legal analysis.

She had a close friendship with fellow Justice Antonin Scalia.

Despite their ideological differences, Ginsburg and Scalia shared a deep friendship built on mutual respect and a love for opera. Their unique bond served as a reminder of the importance of civility and collegiality in public discourse.

Ginsburg was the second woman to be appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Prior to her appointment to the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s judicial career began with her nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. This was yet another groundbreaking achievement for women in the legal profession.

She was a trailblazer in advocating for workplace equality.

Ginsburg’s legal work played a crucial role in challenging discriminatory practices in the workplace. Her efforts contributed to the passage of laws protecting individuals from gender-based discrimination, such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Ginsburg’s dissents often became rallying cries for future change.

When Ginsburg disagreed with the majority opinion, she used her dissenting opinions to articulate powerful arguments. Many of her strong dissents eventually laid the groundwork for future legal advancements.

She had a deep admiration for Justice Emily Murphy.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg greatly respected Justice Emily Murphy, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. She drew inspiration from Murphy’s groundbreaking achievements and tireless advocacy for women’s rights.

Ginsburg was the subject of an acclaimed documentary film.

The documentary “RBG,” released in 2018, explored Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life, career, and influence. It received critical acclaim and helped introduce a new generation to her legacy.

She was a survivor of discrimination in her early career.

As a young female attorney, Ginsburg faced discrimination and struggled to find employment. These experiences fueled her determination to fight against gender bias and unequal treatment.

Ginsburg was a strong advocate for reproductive rights.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg firmly believed in a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. Throughout her career, she consistently supported the protection of reproductive rights.

She attended Harvard Law School as one of only nine women in her class.

In a predominantly male-dominated field, Ginsburg attended Harvard Law School during a time when female representation was scarce. Her experiences there shaped her commitment to equality and equal opportunities.

Ginsburg served as an inspiration for countless individuals.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s unwavering dedication to justice and equality inspired generations of lawyers, activists, and ordinary citizens. Her impact on American society cannot be overstated.

She was known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humor.

Despite the seriousness of the issues she dealt with, Ginsburg had a keen sense of humor that often shone through in her public appearances and interviews.

Ginsburg was deeply committed to justice and fairness.

Throughout her career, Ruth Bader Ginsburg consistently fought for the principles of justice and fairness. Her unwavering commitment to these values made her a formidable force in the legal world.

She was an advocate for affordable healthcare.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg believed in ensuring that all individuals had access to affordable healthcare. She understood the importance of healthcare as a fundamental right.

Ginsburg believed in the power of dissent.

Ginsburg viewed dissent as a powerful tool for change and often used her dissents to advocate for a more inclusive and just society.

She was a lifelong learner.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a thirst for knowledge and was always eager to expand her understanding of the law and the world around her.

Ginsburg’s work inspired the nickname “The Great Dissenter.”

Her powerful dissents and steadfast commitment to her principles earned her the moniker “The Great Dissenter” among her admirers.

She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s contributions to the legal profession and her advocacy for equality garnered her numerous awards and honors throughout her life.

Ginsburg was the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court after serving on the faculty of Columbia Law School.

Before her appointment to the federal bench, Ginsburg taught law at Columbia University and played an active role in shaping the future generation of legal professionals.

She was known for her meticulous legal research.

Ginsburg’s thorough and extensive legal research was a hallmark of her approach to cases. She left no stone unturned when it came to understanding the complexities of the law.

Ginsburg had a strong partnership with her husband, Martin Ginsburg.

Martin Ginsburg, a respected tax attorney, fully supported his wife’s career and played an instrumental role in her success. Their partnership was characterized by mutual respect and support.

She was a strong advocate for affirmative action.

Ginsburg believed in the importance of affirmative action as a means to promote diversity and equal opportunities in education and employment.

Ginsburg inspired a line of merchandise.

Her influence and popularity led to the creation of various RBG-inspired merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, and even action figures.

She authored the majority opinion in the landmark case, United States v. Virginia.

In this case, Ginsburg held that the Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admission policy violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Ginsburg believed in the importance of compromise.

While she held strong beliefs, Ginsburg understood the necessity of finding common ground and seeking compromise to achieve progress.

She was a voracious reader.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s love for reading extended beyond legal texts. She often enjoyed books across various genres, further fueling her intellectual curiosity.

Ginsburg was deeply committed to her Jewish faith.

Her Jewish heritage played a significant role in shaping her values and commitment to justice. Ginsburg embraced her faith and its teachings throughout her life.

She played a crucial role in the case of United States v. Windsor, leading to the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Ginsburg’s participation in the Windsor case established an important precedent that eventually led to the Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality.

Ginsburg’s work ethic was unparalleled.

Despite facing numerous health challenges, Ginsburg continued to serve on the Supreme Court and worked diligently until her final days.

She was passionate about preserving voting rights.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg believed that voter suppression was a threat to democracy and spoke out against efforts to limit access to the polls.

Ginsburg was an avid supporter of the arts.

She recognized the power of artistic expression in promoting social change and frequently attended cultural events, supporting artists and their works.

She was known for her powerful and influential dissenting opinions.

Ginsburg’s dissents were often seen as rallying cries for the protection of civil rights and the advancement of progressive causes.

Ginsburg was the first Jew to serve on the Supreme Court since Justice Abe Fortas.

Her appointment to the Supreme Court was a historic moment for the Jewish community and a testament to her accomplishments as a legal scholar.

She believed in the importance of empathy in the legal profession.

Ginsburg understood the impact of empathetic decision-making and advocated for an understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized individuals.

Ginsburg’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The impact of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s work and advocacy will resonate for years to come. Her commitment to justice and equality remains an enduring legacy.

Conclusion

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was truly a remarkable individual who dedicated her life to justice and equality. Her impactful career as a Supreme Court Justice, advocate for gender equality, and champion of civil rights has left an indelible mark on American history. Ginsburg’s determination, intellect, and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution serve as an inspiration to generations to come.

Throughout her tenure, Ginsburg became widely known for her staunch defense of women’s rights, earning her the nickname “Notorious RBG.” Her influential opinions and dissents in many landmark cases helped shape the future of the United States, and her dedication to progressive values resonated with people from all walks of life.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we are reminded of the immense impact one person can have on society. Ginsburg will forever be remembered as a force for change and a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Her tireless efforts to promote justice and equality will continue to inspire and guide us in our ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

FAQs

1. Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was known for her advocacy for gender equality and her strong liberal voice on the Court.

2. What were some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s notable accomplishments?

Ginsburg played a vital role in advancing women’s rights and gender equality through her influential opinions and dissents. She contributed to landmark cases such as United States v. Virginia, which ended gender-based discrimination at the Virginia Military Institute, and Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, which led to the passing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

3. What was Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s nickname?

Ginsburg was often referred to as the “Notorious RBG” due to her fearless beliefs and her advocacy for justice and equal rights. The nickname was inspired by the rapper Notorious B.I.G.

4. How did Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspire future generations?

Ginsburg’s unwavering commitment to justice, her sharp intellect, and her dedication to gender equality continue to serve as an inspiration to individuals around the world. Her legacy has inspired countless young lawyers and activists to fight for a more just and equitable society.

5. What is Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy is one of resilience, determination, and progressive values. Her impact on the legal landscape, particularly in the areas of women’s rights and civil liberties, will be felt for generations to come.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.