Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. She served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from August 10, 1993, until her death on September 18, 2020. This profile clarifies her age at pivotal moments using verified dates and public records, emphasizing factual milestones rather than speculative narratives. The following sections draw on court documents, authorized biographies, and reputable historical archives to provide a durable, evergreen explanation of her life span and judicial tenure.
Key Biographical Dates and Age Milestones
Understanding Ruth Bader Ginsburg's age requires anchoring to documented events. Below is a concise table of verified attributes, showing her age at notable points in her life and career.
| Date or Period | Event | Age at Time | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 1933 | Birth | 0 years | Birth certificate, biographies |
| June 1954 | Marriage to Martin Ginsburg | 21 | Public records, interviews |
| 1959 | Graduated Columbia Law School | 26 | University archives |
| August 10, 1993 | Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice | 60 | Senate records |
| September 18, 2020 | Date of death | 87 | Supreme Court announcement |
Early Life and Formative Years
Ginsburg’s early years shaped the intellectual discipline that later defined her jurisprudence. Raised in a family that valued education, she attended public schools in Brooklyn and graduated from James Madison High School in 1950. She then enrolled at Cornell University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in government in 1954. After marrying Martin Ginsburg and serving as a law clerk to a federal district judge, she pursued legal studies at Harvard Law School and later transferred to Columbia Law School, graduating in 1959 at age 26.
Judicial Career Before the Supreme Court
Before joining the nation’s highest court, Ginsburg built a record of advocacy focused on gender equality and civil rights. She co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union in 1971 and argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court in the 1970s. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where she served for 13 years. During this period, she became known for her meticulous reasoning and consensus-building style, setting the foundation for her later role as a justice.
Supreme Court Tenure and Key Jurisprudence
As a Supreme Court justice, Ginsburg frequently aligned with the court’s liberal bloc on issues such as abortion rights, voting protections, and same-sex marriage. She authored notable opinions in cases like United States v. Virginia (1996), which extended equal protection to women, and Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007), which addressed pay discrimination. Her jurisprudence emphasized incremental progress and respect for precedent. Across more than 27 years on the bench, she became a cultural symbol of resilience and legal integrity, often highlighted for her distinctive collars and steadfast demeanor during oral arguments.
Confirmation Timeline and Senate Process
Ginsburg’s path to the Supreme Court illustrates a measured confirmation process. President Bill Clinton nominated her on June 14, 1993. The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on July 13–14, 1993, and the full Senate confirmed her on August 3, 1993, by a vote of 96 to 3. At her swearing-in on August 10, 1993, she was 60 years old. The confirmation record provides a clear, documented timeline that anchors her public service to exact years and ages.
Death and Succession
On September 18, 2020, the Supreme Court announced that Ginsburg had died at age 87. The cause was metastatic pancreatic cancer, diagnosed more than a year prior. Following protocols for judicial vacancies, President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to fill the seat, and the Senate confirmed Barrett on October 26, 2020. The transition underscored the institutional processes surrounding Supreme Court appointments and the continuity of constitutional interpretation.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Ginsburg’s legacy endures through her opinions, her advocacy for gender equality, and her role as a frequent dissenter on high-profile cases. Legal scholars continue to study her writings to understand approaches to equal protection and statutory interpretation. Archives of her speeches, interviews, and courtroom arguments remain essential resources for researchers and the public. Because her life and work are documented in official records and peer-reviewed scholarship, her influence remains accessible and relevant for long-term historical analysis.
Summary of Key Verified Details
For quick reference, the table below consolidates major milestones, ages, and source types related to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life. Each entry is traceable to authoritative public records or institutional archives.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1933 | Birth certificate, biographies |
| Date of Death | September 18, 2020 | Supreme Court press release |
| Age at Confirmation | 60 years | Senate Judiciary Committee records |
| Age at Death | 87 years | Official announcement, obituaries |
| Length of Supreme Court Service | August 10, 1993 – September 18, 2020 (approx. 27 years, 1 month) | Court records, congressional archives |
| Key Legal Contribution | Authoring landmark gender equality opinions | Supreme Court opinions, legal scholarship |
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age did Ruth Bader Ginsburg become a Supreme Court justice? She was confirmed at age 60 and sworn in on August 10, 1993.
- How old was Ruth Bader Ginsburg when she died? She died at age 87 on September 18, 2020.
- Where was Ruth Bader Ginsburg born? She was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States.
- What years did Ruth Bader Ginsburg serve on the Supreme Court? She served from August 10, 1993, to September 18, 2020.
- How long was Ruth Bader Ginsburg married to Martin Ginsburg? They married in June 1954 and remained married until her death in September 2020, a period of about 66 years.
Conclusion
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s age at key moments is precisely documented, reflecting a life of service that spanned nearly 87 years. By relying on court records, authoritative biographies, and reputable archives, this profile delivers a clear, fact-first explanation. These verified details support ongoing study of her legal influence and cultural impact, offering a durable reference grounded in evidence rather than speculation.