Yahoo News Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies aged 87
Justine Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at the age of 87 following a battle with metastatic cancer, the Supreme Court has announced.
The democratic judge, who was an iconic advocate of gender equality and women’s rights, passed away on Friday at her home in Washington D.C. surrounded by her family. She had suffered recurring bouts of cancer since first revealing a diagnosis in 2009.
"Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement on Friday. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her - a tireless and resolute champion of justice."
Ginsburg, often known by her initials RBG, was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1993 and was only the second woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. She served for 27 years up until her death and became a symbol for liberals in the United States.
After announcing in July that she was to undergo chemotherapy, her health was closely monitored as one of four liberal justices on the court. It was acknowledged that her death could lead to Donald Trump expanding his conservative majority on the Supreme Court ahead of November's election.
Ginsburg was vocal about her disapproval of such a move. "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed," she wrote in a statement to her granddaughter, according to National Public Radio.
Despite this, Trump, among many others, paid tribute to her following her passing.
“Today, our nation mourns the loss of a titan of the law” who was “renowned for her brilliant mind and her powerful dissents at the Supreme Court,” the said in a statement.
“Her opinions, including well-known decisions regarding the legal equality of women and the disabled, have inspired all Americans, and generations of great legal minds,” he added.
“May her memory be a great and magnificent blessing to the world.”
President Obama also paid his respect in a lengthy statement calling her “a warrior for gender equality” and took the opportunity to highlighted his support that she should not be replaced in the Supreme Court until after November.
“A basic principle of the law — and of everyday fairness — is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what’s convenient or advantageous in the moment,” Mr. Obama said.
”The rule of law, the legitimacy of our courts, the fundamental workings of our democracy all depend on that basic principle,” Mr. Obama added. “As votes are already being cast in this election, Republican senators are now called to apply that standard.”
Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Ginsburg, took to Twitter to pay his respects. He called her “one of the most extraordinary justices ever to serve on the Supreme Court.”
While Hillary Clinton tweeted: “Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women, including me. There will never be another like her. Thank you RBG.”
Celebrities, activists and legal figures have also paid their respects.
Gloria Steinem tweeted: “The more we learn about her words and deeds, the more she will remain a force in our lives and the world around us.”
Adding: “She left us a clear and precious legacy. It's up to us to keep her spirit alive.”
Actress Mindy Kaling said: “Breaking that ground so hard that the rest of us felt the cracks for years and years after.”
Actress Kerry Washington tweeted: “Her rest is earned. It is our turn to fight.” while Mariah Carey said: “Thank you for a lifetime of service. Thank you for changing history. We will never let it be undone. RIP RBG.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, added: “Thank you for your leadership and service to us all. We are in your debt and we will continue to fight with all our power. Rest in your great power."
Ginsburg leaves behind two children, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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