Ruth Bader Ginsburg Judge on the US Supreme Court Date of Birth: 15.03.1933 Country: USA

1. Biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2. Education and Early Career
3. Legal Career and Advocacy
4. Supreme Court Justice and Legacy

Biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the second woman in the history of American jurisprudence to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, following Sandra Day O'Connor. She was born in New York in 1933 to Nathan, a furrier, and Celia, a homemaker. Ruth was the second child in the family, as her older sister passed away at an early age, leaving her as the only child for her parents. Her mother instilled in her a love for reading and often took her to the library located near their home, above a small Chinese restaurant. Ruth later recalled that the aromas of Chinese cuisine always brought her the utmost pleasure when she had a book in her hands. Her mother passed away from cancer, but she taught her daughter to value true human values and became a true example for Ruth to follow in both her personal life and legal practice, holding onto the principles of fairness and equality.

Education and Early Career

Ruth Bader Ginsburg graduated from Cornell University with top scores in all subjects. It was during her time at the university that she met Martin Ginsburg, whom she married and later moved to Oklahoma with, where her husband served in the military. In 1956, the couple returned to New York and both continued their education at Harvard Law School. Despite graduating with excellent grades and receiving outstanding recommendations, Ruth was unable to secure a job at any law firm. She then agreed to become an assistant to a district judge while simultaneously giving lectures to students at the Rutgers University Law School in New Jersey. In 1961, she began teaching at Columbia University and became a professor in 1963.

Legal Career and Advocacy

Ruth Ginsburg stated in her own words that she chose the profession of a lawyer not to undermine the foundations of patriarchal society, but because she was confident that she could perform this work better and more conscientiously than others. Her extensive legal practice confirmed that she adhered strictly to the observance of laws, never overstepped boundaries, and did not get carried away by radical feminism. However, she did lead several major advocacy organizations that defended women's rights. From 1973 to 1976, she won five out of six cases in the Supreme Court. Ruth Ginsburg proved that divorced fathers should receive child support if they have custody of the children, and widowers who have young children are entitled to benefits. She insisted that boys should be able to buy beer at the same age as girls, and women, like men, should be allowed to serve as jurors. Ruth also defended women's rights by arguing that the Air Force should grant paid leave to pregnant female officers. She not only prepared but also successfully passed important amendments to regulatory acts and laws through the highest legislative authorities.

Supreme Court Justice and Legacy

Given her immense authority, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was invited to lecture at leading educational institutions, including Stanford, Harvard, and New York Universities, as well as educational centers in the Netherlands and France. From 1980 to 1993, while working in the federal appellate court, she wrote decisions related to three hundred cases and authored two books on civil law. It was Bill Clinton who nominated her as a Supreme Court Justice in 1993, and the Senate approved the decision. Ruth Ginsburg rightfully takes pride in her professional achievements, always remaining impeccably honest and fair. She has two children - her daughter Jane also became a lawyer and teaches copyright law at Columbia University, while her son James is passionate about classical music. Ruth Ginsburg continues to work in the Supreme Court and remains an influential figure in society. She enjoys attending the opera and, in her free time, water skiing.