On Thursday January 28th, the Notorious Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke to the Brandeis community about Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Exactly 100 years prior, Justice Brandeis was nominated to the US Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg was the opening speaker of a panel, consisting of Frederick M. Lawrence, Ralph D. Gants, Philippa Strum, Jeffery Toobin and Mark Wolf, who all discussed Justice Brandeis’ many accomplishments on the Supreme Court and in American Democracy. This was the first event of many that will be happening throughout the semester, which celebrates the life and legacy of the university’s namesake. Justice Ginsburg eloquently reflected and discussed her views and admiration Brandeis’ rulings, dissents and knowing when to refrain from giving an opinion. She was also not afraid to criticise some of his work. Justice Ginsburg explained the Brandeis Brief and what that meant to her as a law student and a Supreme Justice. She uses similar fact based arguments inspired by the Brandeis Brief. However, she clearly stated that she didnot agree with the Brandeis Brief ruling or facts, rather she soly admires the Brandeis-style brief.
Brandeis University students entered a lottery to receive a free ticket to the event. Those not lucky enough to win a ticket could watch it live streamed. Justice Ginsburg, known by her young fans as the Notorious RBG, has gained a young dedicated fan base. With a book, blogs, apparel and countless memes she is appealing to the younger generations. Justice Ginsburg has dedicated a sizable portion of her career to advocating for the advancement of women’s rights.