Justice Ginsburg Promises a 'Momentous' Supreme Court Term
With the U.S. Supreme Court set to open Oct. 2, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is warming up the crowd.
Speaking at Georgetown Law, she promised it will be a "momentous" term with issues such as the President's travel ban, religious freedom, voting rights, and same-sex marriage. But the notorious RBG also entertained, especially when asked how she choose her early career.
"How did I decide to become a flaming feminist litigator?" she posed, evoking smiles and chuckles from the crowd.
"Feminist Litigator"
Tiffany Trump, a first-year student at the school, burst into laughter at the comment. Some students were not so amused.
Ginsburg, a champion for liberals, spoke about her work as an ACLU lawyer in the 1970s. As for her work on the bench, she said the upcoming session has "gotten more attention" because of hot-button issues.
Among others, she noted, the Supreme Court will consider whether a baker's "claim to freedom of religion" prevails over anti-discrimination laws against same-sex couples. She also commented on the travel ban, saying exceptions apply to people -- like grandparents and students admitted to college -- with bona fide relationships in the United States.
"All those people would qualify," Ginsburg said. "As to those individuals, the executive order may not be enforced, pending our decision in the case granted review."
Changes at the Court
Ginsburg talked about changes at the court since the arrival of Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trump's replacement for the late Antonin Scalia. She said Gorsuch has "cast himself as a potential rival to Justice Sonia Sotomayor as the justice who asked the most questions."
At 84, Ginsburg may be the liveliest member of the High Court. She is famous for her work-out regime, which is featured in an upcoming book with illustrations of her doing push-ups.
Asked if she used her knees when she did them, Ginsburg paused for effect and looked horrified at the question.
"No," she replied, bringing another appreciative response from the crowd.
Related Resources:
- United States Supreme Court Cases (FindLaw Cases and Codes)
- Ginsburg to Congress: Stop the Nonsense (FindLaw's Supreme Court Blog)
- A Preview of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Movie (FindLaw's Supreme Court Blog)