Economist Podcasts Judge dread: the fight for Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat
Sep 21, 2020
John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, gives a poignant look at Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy and the political storm surrounding her seat on the Supreme Court. He discusses her trailblazing journey towards gender equality and the implications for the upcoming election. Meanwhile, John McDermott reveals the staggering challenge of land ownership insecurity in Africa and its impact on poverty, highlighting how formal land rights can unlock economic potential. Together, they paint a vivid picture of pivotal societal issues.
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RBG at Harvard
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion of women's rights, was one of nine women in a class of 500 men at Harvard Law.
- When asked to justify taking a man's spot, she quipped that she needed to understand her husband's work.
RBG's Work Ethic and Judicial Shift
- Ginsburg maintained a relentless work ethic, never missing a day on the Supreme Court in 25 years despite battling cancer.
- Initially considered a moderate, she became the liberal wing's leader as the court shifted rightward.
Early Legal Victories
- Before joining the Supreme Court, Ginsburg argued six cases and was involved in 30 more as the ACLU's Women's Rights Project director.
- Her first case, Reed v. Reed, challenged an Ohio law preferring men as estate executors.