Ruth Bader Ginsburg | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 12, 2025

Who is Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born Joan Ruth Bader on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, was a groundbreaking Supreme Court Justice and a passionate advocate for gender equality. She graduated first in her class from Columbia Law School in 1959, after transferring from Harvard, where she had faced significant gender bias as one of only nine women in a class of over 500. Her commitment to women's rights led her to the ACLU's Women’s Rights Project, where she argued six landmark cases before the Supreme Court, establishing legal precedents for gender equality. Her early experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to social justice and equity.

Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 and later to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Ginsburg became known for her thoughtful and restrained judicial philosophy. Throughout her career, she authored significant opinions, including the landmark decision in United States v. Virginia, which struck down the male-exclusive admissions policy of the Virginia Military Institute. Her fierce advocacy extended to LGBTQ+ rights, exemplified by her vote in the pivotal case Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Ginsburg remained a vital force in American jurisprudence until her passing in September 2020, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born Joan Ruth Bader on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, emerged from a low-income working-class neighborhood. The second daughter of Nathan and Celia Bader, she faced numerous challenges during her upbringing. Her mother, Celia, played a pivotal role in shaping Ginsburg's values, emphasizing the importance of education and independence. Despite her struggles, Celia worked tirelessly in a garment factory, sacrificing her own ambitions to support her brother's education. Sadly, her mother's battle with cancer culminated in her passing just before Ginsburg's high school graduation, a loss that deeply affected her.

Ginsburg excelled academically at James Madison High School, paving the way for her future achievements. She furthered her education at Cornell University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in government in 1954, graduating first in her class. Shortly after her graduation, she married Martin D. Ginsburg, a law student, and together they navigated the early challenges of married life, including the arrival of their daughter, Jane. Ginsburg later transferred to Harvard Law School, where she faced a male-dominated environment; she was one of only a few women in a class of over 500. Despite adversity, she thrived academically and became the first female member of the Harvard Law Review, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her legal career.

Career Beginnings and Advocacy for Gender Equality

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's career beginnings were marked by her determination to break barriers in a male-dominated legal world. After earning her law degree from Columbia University in 1959, where she graduated first in her class, she faced gender discrimination while seeking employment. Despite her academic achievements, job offers were scarce, so she took a clerkship with U.S. District Judge Edmund L. Palmieri, paving the way for her future career. Ginsburg's early experiences shaped her commitment to advocating for gender equality and women's rights, ultimately leading her to become a pioneering figure in the legal field.

Ginsburg's advocacy for gender equality took a significant leap when she joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as the director of the Women's Rights Project in the 1970s. She strategically argued six landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, effectively challenging and dismantling laws that perpetuated gender-based discrimination. One pivotal case involved the Social Security Act, where Ginsburg successfully contended that its provisions unjustly favored women over men. Her efforts not only advanced women’s rights but also established her as a formidable advocate for equality and justice in the legal landscape, setting the stage for her later appointment to the Supreme Court.

Rise to the U.S. Supreme Court and Landmark Rulings

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's rise to the United States Supreme Court marked a significant chapter in her storied legal career and the advancement of gender equality in the American legal system. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, she became the second woman to ever serve on the High Court, filling the seat of Justice Byron White. Ginsburg's confirmation was notably smooth, with the Senate confirming her by a vote of 96-3. As a justice, she brought with her a deep commitment to civil rights and the belief that the law should guarantee equal protection for everyone, regardless of gender. Her experiences as a lawyer advocating for women's rights laid a solid foundation for her judicial philosophy.

Ginsburg quickly made her mark on the Supreme Court, becoming a critical voice for dissent and social justice. One of her landmark rulings was in the case of United States v. Virginia in 1996, where she authored the opinion stating that the Virginia Military Institute could not exclude women from admission. Ginsburg's principled stance in favor of inclusion extended beyond gender issues; she believed in equal rights for all groups. In a noteworthy dissent in Bush v. Gore, Ginsburg eloquently asserted her position in defense of electoral integrity, emphasizing her dedication to upholding democracy. Her influence on American jurisprudence continues to resonate, shaping discussions on equality and civil rights well beyond her tenure on the Court.

Recent Years, Health Battles, and Influence

In her later years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg became a cultural icon, often referred to by her initials, RBG. She gained public recognition through various media, including the 2018 documentary "RBG" and her memoir "My Own Words," which became a bestseller. Ginsburg was a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement, reflecting on her past experiences with gender discrimination and advocating for women's rights. She continued to participate actively in her role on the Supreme Court while also mentoring younger generations, believing in the importance of diversity and representation in the legal landscape.

Despite her significant contributions, Ginsburg faced several serious health battles throughout her tenure on the Supreme Court. She underwent treatments for colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer, yet she remained resilient and committed to her judicial responsibilities. Ginsburg’s health challenges did not deter her from performing her duties; in fact, she maintained an active presence on the court and even assigned a majority opinion in a key case in April 2018. Her ability to persist through adversity only strengthened her reputation as a tireless advocate for justice and equality.

Ginsburg's influence extended far beyond the court as she became a symbol of strength and determination for many. Her dissenting opinions, especially during high-profile cases like "Bush v. Gore", underscored her commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality. Even after her passing on September 18, 2020, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of lawmakers, activists, and citizens. Ruth Bader Ginsburg's contributions to gender equality, civil rights, and law have left an indelible mark on the United States, ensuring that her voice will remain a vital part of America's ongoing pursuit of justice.

Personal Life: Married Life with Martin Ginsburg and Children

Ruth Bader Ginsburg married Martin D. Ginsburg in 1954, shortly after she graduated from Cornell University. Their union was marked by mutual respect and support, a bond that proved to be a source of strength for both. Despite the early challenges they faced, including Martin's military service and his battle with testicular cancer, their relationship flourished. Martin was known for his gregarious nature and sense of humor, contrasting with Ruth’s more serious demeanor. He became her biggest advocate, encouraging her career ambitions in an era when female lawyers faced significant obstacles. Their partnership was characterized by a unique understanding, highlighted by Martin’s belief that their personal roles were defined without overlap: he would handle the culinary arts, while she excelled in the legal realm.

Together, they welcomed two children: Jane and James. Jane Ginsburg followed in her parents' footsteps, pursuing a career in law and academia. Throughout their lives, Ruth and Martin demonstrated an impressive balance between their professional pursuits and family life. Even as Ruth ascended in her legal career, she remained devoted to her family, often reflecting on the importance of being present for her children. The deep affection and camaraderie they shared not only solidified their marriage but also influenced Ruth's perspective on equality and partnership, laying the foundation for her advocacy work for gender equality and women's rights. Their remarkable relationship serves as a testament to the power of love and support in achieving personal and professional aspirations.

Net Worth and Earning: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Legacy

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a legal icon, is often celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to gender equality and civil rights, rather than her net worth. As a Supreme Court Justice, her salary was approximately $255,500 per year, as mandated for her position. However, Ginsburg's legacy transcends financial measures; she transformed the American legal landscape through her advocacy for women's rights and her judicial decisions, which continue to influence the course of social justice. Ginsburg's efforts with the ACLU and her role in several landmark Supreme Court cases have left an indelible mark, making her less a figure of wealth and more a beacon of justice and equality.

Though Ginsburg's net worth is estimated to be about $4 million at the time of her passing, much of this came from her career in law, including her tenure as a professor and her judicial role. In her later years, Ginsburg became a cultural symbol and a source of inspiration, leading to various opportunities such as speaking engagements and media appearances. Her memoir, "My Own Words," further solidified her status as a prominent figure in contemporary American history, attracting significant royalties and enhancing her legacy as a champion of justice. Ultimately, Ginsburg's impact resonates more profoundly than mere financial calculations, reflecting her commitment to equality and her enduring influence on future generations.