I conceived of myself in large part as a teacher. There wasn't a great understanding of gender discrimination. People knew that race discrimination was an odious thing, but there were many who thought that all the gender-based differentials in the law operated benignly in women's favor. So my objective was to take the Court step by step to the realization, in Justice Brennan's words, that the pedestal on which some thought women were standing all too often turned out to be a cage.
Ruth Bader GinsburgI would not look to the United States Constitution if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012.
Ruth Bader GinsburgIf there was one decision I would overrule, it would be Citizens United. I think the notion that we have all the democracy that money can buy strays so far from what our democracy is supposed to be.
Ruth Bader GinsburgDepriving a parent of parental status is as devastating as a criminal conviction.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg