The Prolonged Impact of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court

For more than two decades, Ruth Bader Ginsburg served as an influential and groundbreaking justice on the Supreme Court, leaving an indelible mark on judicial history. Her tenure, which began in 1993, lasted until her untimely death on September 18, 2020, spanning an impressive 27 years. This article explores the journey that led to her historic appointment and her numerous legal achievements.

Appointment and Initial Confirmation

President Bill Clinton appointed Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court on June 14, 1993. This appointment was a significant milestone, as it marked a shift towards greater diversity on the bench, with Ginsburg becoming the second woman to serve as a Justice in U.S. history. Her confirmation process was relatively swift, with the Senate confirming her in just 42 days. Ginsburg took her judicial oath in August 1993, setting the stage for her long and impactful tenure.

Background and Nomination

Ginsburg's path to the Supreme Court was not without challenges and uniqueness. Jimmy Carter had initially nominated her to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1980. Despite this, she faced opposition and was confirmed after 13 years, ultimately being nominated for the Supreme Court by Bill Clinton to replace Justice Byron White. Clinton sought a candidate who would bring fresh perspectives and increase diversity. Ginsburg, known for her tireless advocacy of women’s rights, was seen as a well-qualified candidate with a deep-rooted commitment to fair and equal treatment. Her confirmation vote was overwhelmingly positive, with a 96-3 vote by the Senate, affirming her suitability for the position.

Legal Achievements and Legacy

During her 27 years on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg played a pivotal role in numerous landmark cases. She is known for her dissenting opinions and victories, particularly in championing women's rights and LGBTQ rights. Some of her most notable achievements include:

In United States v. Virginia (1996), she successfully argued against an all-male college, stating that it violated the equal protection clause. This decision was a significant step towards achieving gender equality.

Ginsburg strongly opposed the decision of the court in Bush v. Gore (2000), which halted a recount of votes in Florida during the 2000 presidential election, ultimately leading to George W. Bush's victory. Her dissenting opinion highlighted the flaws of the legal reasoning used to invalidate the vote.

In the 2015 case Obergefell v. Hodges, Ginsburg ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, contributing to the landmark decision that affirmed the constitutional right to marry for gay and lesbian couples. This decision is often seen as a culmination of decades of work by the LGBTQ rights movement.

Throughout her career, Ginsburg consistently ruled in favor of women's reproductive rights and against unequal pay, advocating for gender equality in the workplace.

These and other decisions marked Ginsburg's commitment to social justice and equality, earning her the moniker "The Notorious RBG" among admirers and critics alike. Her influence extended beyond the courtroom, inspiring a generation of legal scholars and judges, particularly women and people of color.

Conclusion

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's tenure on the Supreme Court stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to justice and equality. Her significant contributions to the legal landscape have left an enduring legacy that continues to shape contemporary discourse on civil rights and gender equality. As Gorge Annas, the dean of the Boston University School of Public Health, aptly put it, "She represented the practice of law as a public enterprise, serving the public interest." Ginsburg's legacy is one of resilience, persistence, and advocacy for a more inclusive and just society.