Ruth Bader Ginsburg

1933-2020

Born into a working class neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York in 1933, Ruth's mother taught her the value of independence and a good education. Ruth graduated from Cornell University in 1954 at the top of her class, and married her husband Martin Ginsburg the same year.

Enrolling at Harvard University, Ruth commenced her law degree, later transferring to Columbia Law School to complete her studies after Martin accepted a legal position in New York.

Despite graduating at the top of her class, Ruth continually encountered gender discrimination whilst trying to gain employment. She did however become the first female tenured professor of law at Columbia University.
In 1980, President Carter appointed Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Court of Appeals and continued in that role until 1993 when President Clinton selected her to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court.

In her role on the Supreme Court, Ruth favours caution, moderation and restraint, and presents a strong voice for gender equality, the rights of workers and the separation of church and state.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's was recently portrayed by Felicity Jones in the film On The Basis of Sex (currently in cinemas)