Lasting Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg—a timeline of influence.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American lawyer and Supreme Court Justice from 1993 until her death in 2020. Appointed by President Bill Clinton, she was the second woman and first Jewish woman to serve on the Court. Initially viewed as a moderate, she authored key majority opinions like United States v. Virginia. Later, her passionate dissents on the Court's rightward shift gained her the popular nickname "the Notorious R.B.G." Ginsburg became a cultural icon, admired for her sharp legal mind and unwavering commitment to gender equality and civil rights.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1953: Rightward Shift in the Supreme Court

Since 1953, there have been major rightward shifts in the Court following appointments to replace justices.

1964: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

In 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was enacted, which was later central to the Ledbetter v. Goodyear case where Lilly Ledbetter sued for pay discrimination based on gender.

1969: Justice Abe Fortas Resignation

In 1969, Justice Abe Fortas resigned, this made Ruth Bader Ginsburg the first Jewish justice since his resignation upon her appointment to the Supreme Court.

1969: Appointment of Warren Burger

In 1969, Warren Burger was appointed to replace Earl Warren.

1973: Roe v. Wade Ruling

In 1973, the Supreme Court made its ruling on Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113, which Ginsburg later criticized for terminating a nascent democratic movement to liberalize abortion laws, potentially hindering the development of a more durable consensus in support of abortion rights.

1981: Roberts advises against Supreme Court nominees giving specific responses

In 1981, as a young attorney, John Roberts advised against Supreme Court nominees giving specific responses to questions during their confirmation hearings.

1985: Comparison to Thurgood Marshall

In 1985, former solicitor general Erwin Griswold compared Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Thurgood Marshall in a speech, recognizing her as the leading litigator for women's rights.

1991: Appointment of Clarence Thomas

In 1991, Clarence Thomas was appointed to replace Thurgood Marshall.

September 28, 2005: "Ginsburg precedent" speech

On September 28, 2005, Ruth Bader Ginsburg delivered a speech at Wake Forest University, where she stated that John Roberts's refusal to answer questions during his Senate confirmation hearings was "unquestionably right".

2006: Only woman on the Court

In 2006, following the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the only woman on the Supreme Court.

2007: Finding her voice

The 2006-2007 term of the Supreme Court marked "the time when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg found her voice, and used it" according to Linda Greenhouse of The New York Times. During this term, Ginsburg read multiple dissents from the bench, signaling stronger disagreement with the majority.

2008: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

In 2008, following President Barack Obama's election, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act became law, making it easier for employees to win pay discrimination claims. Ginsburg was credited with inspiring the law.

2014: Screenplay Named to Black List

In 2014, the screenplay for On the Basis of Sex, a film focusing on Ginsburg's career struggles, was named to the Black List of best unproduced screenplays.

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October 2015: Publication of "Notorious RBG"

In October 2015, the book "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" by Shana Knizhnik and Irin Carmon, based on the "Notorious R.B.G." internet meme, was published and became a New York Times bestseller.

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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2015: "Sisters in Law" Book Release

In 2015, Linda Hirshman's book, Sisters in Law, which examines the careers and judicial records of Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was published.

Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World

Check it on Amazon

2015: Scalia/Ginsburg Opera Fictionalizes Ginsburg and Scalia

In 2015, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia were fictionalized in "Scalia/Ginsburg", an opera by Derrick Wang. Ginsburg later attended the Castleton Festival world premiere of the opera.

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2015: Kate McKinnon Portrays Ginsburg

Since 2015, Kate McKinnon began portraying Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Saturday Night Live.

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2016: McKinnon as Ginsburg at RNC

In 2016, Kate McKinnon reprised her role as Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a Weekend Update sketch from the Republican National Convention on Saturday Night Live.

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2018: Release of RBG Documentary and Deadpool 2 Cameo

In 2018, the documentary RBG, directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Also in 2018, a photo of Ginsburg appeared in the film Deadpool 2.

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February 2019: Lego Figurine and Limited-Edition Beer

In February 2019, following the release of The Lego Movie 2, a Lego mini-figurine of Ginsburg was produced as part of the Lego toy sets. Also in 2019, Samuel Adams released a limited-edition beer called When There Are Nine, inspired by Ginsburg's quote.

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September 18, 2020: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Death

On September 18, 2020, Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, marking the end of her tenure as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, a position she held since 1993.

November 7, 2020: Scalia/Ginsburg Opera Broadcast

On November 7, 2020, Scalia/Ginsburg, an opera by Derrick Wang fictionalizing Ginsburg and Scalia's friendship, was broadcast on national radio.

March 31, 2022: USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg Named

On March 31, 2022, the U.S. Navy announced its decision to name one of its John Lewis-class replenishment oilers the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, honoring her legacy.

August 2022: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall Opens

In August 2022, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall, a residence hall at Cornell University, welcomed its first students with the Class of 2026.

March 2023: Supreme Court Memorial Session and USPS Stamp

In March 2023, the Supreme Court held a special memorial session to honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Also in 2023, Ginsburg was featured on a USPS Forever stamp, designed by Ethel Kessler using an oil painting by Michael J. Deas based on a photograph by Philip Bermingham.