NCJ Number
151744
Journal
Judicature Volume: 78 Issue: 2 Dated: (September-October 1994) Pages: 74-80
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This analysis of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's initial term on the Court starting in 1993 concludes that true to her word, Justice Ginsburg demonstrated that she would not align herself with any ideological wing.
Abstract
In crucial cases in which the justices were deeply divided, Ginsburg regularly sided with the liberals. However, she was most inclined to agree with other members of the Court's middle, including Justice Kennedy, when deciding other cases. In several specific cases, Ginsburg's presence on the Court may have produced new liberal outcomes favoring individuals, but in many other cases, especially those concerning criminal justice, she regularly joined the conservative justices in supporting the government's position. Ginsberg apparently did not require any period of adjustment before participating fully in the Supreme Court's decisionmaking. In addition, she does not currently appear intent on advancing a broad women's rights agenda. Moreover, her decisionmaking patterns have placed her in the middle of the Court. Finally, it is unclear whether her assertiveness during oral arguments has alienated some of her colleagues and will reduce her influence. Footnotes