My Own Words summary

Early Life and Education

In My Own Words, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, shares her life story. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933, she grew up in a low-income, working-class neighborhood. Ginsburg's mother, Celia Bader, instilled in her a love for education and a strong work ethic. Her mother passed away from cancer the day before Ginsburg's high school graduation.

Despite the challenges, Ginsburg excelled academically and went on to attend Cornell University, where she met her future husband, Martin Ginsburg. After graduating, she married Martin and had their first child, Jane. The couple then moved to Oklahoma, where Martin served in the military, and Ginsburg worked for the Social Security Administration.

Law School and Early Career

After Martin's military service, the couple moved to Massachusetts, where Ginsburg attended Harvard Law School. She was one of only nine women in a class of over 500 men. Despite the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, Ginsburg excelled, serving on the prestigious Harvard Law Review. However, she faced discrimination, with the dean questioning why she was taking a spot that could have gone to a man.

When Martin accepted a job in New York City, Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School, where she graduated first in her class. Despite her academic achievements, she struggled to find employment due to her gender. She eventually secured a clerkship and began her career as a law professor at Rutgers University, where she became the first female tenured professor.

Advocacy for Gender Equality

In the 1970s, Ginsburg co-founded the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She argued several landmark gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court, advocating for equal rights for women under the law. Her strategic approach involved challenging laws that discriminated against men, illustrating how gender-based laws harmed both sexes.

Her work led to significant legal victories, including the landmark case Reed v. Reed, which marked the first time the Supreme Court struck down a law due to gender discrimination. Ginsburg's advocacy work laid the foundation for the legal framework that protects women's rights today.

Appointment to the Supreme Court

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She served on the court for thirteen years, developing a reputation as a moderate and consensus-builder. In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated her to the Supreme Court, making her the second woman to serve on the highest court in the land.

During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg became known for her thoughtful and meticulous approach to the law. She was a strong advocate for gender equality, civil liberties, and the separation of powers. Her landmark opinions and dissents, often written in her own words, have had a lasting impact on American jurisprudence.

Legacy and Personal Reflections

In My Own Words, Ginsburg reflects on her legacy and the progress made in the fight for gender equality. She shares her personal experiences with discrimination and the challenges she faced as a woman in the legal profession. Despite these obstacles, she remained steadfast in her commitment to justice and equality.

Throughout the book, Ginsburg's intelligence, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the law shine through. She shares her thoughts on a wide range of topics, from her love of opera to her views on the death penalty. Her words offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a legal giant and a trailblazer for women's rights.