Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who was appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States by President George H.W. Bush in 1991?
Who was appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States by President George H.W. Bush in 1991?
Which case does Clarence Thomas believe is an example of courts making decisions rather than reviewing previous decisions?
Which case does Clarence Thomas believe is an example of courts making decisions rather than reviewing previous decisions?
Who served as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1982 to 1990 before becoming an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court?
Who served as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1982 to 1990 before becoming an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court?
Which justice is known for being conservative with his rulings and opinions on the Supreme Court?
Which justice is known for being conservative with his rulings and opinions on the Supreme Court?
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Which individual is commonly referred to as RBG?
Which individual is commonly referred to as RBG?
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What is one common reaction to Clarence Thomas's ideas among other judges?
What is one common reaction to Clarence Thomas's ideas among other judges?
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Who was the first Jewish female justice appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993?
Who was the first Jewish female justice appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993?
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Which case demonstrated Ruth Bader Ginsburg's efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights?
Which case demonstrated Ruth Bader Ginsburg's efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights?
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What controversy surrounded Clarence Thomas during his career?
What controversy surrounded Clarence Thomas during his career?
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How did Ruth Bader Ginsburg contribute to shaping the court's ideology?
How did Ruth Bader Ginsburg contribute to shaping the court's ideology?
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What criticism did Ruth Bader Ginsburg face primarily?
What criticism did Ruth Bader Ginsburg face primarily?
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Which Justice played a pivotal role in advocating for equal treatment under the law?
Which Justice played a pivotal role in advocating for equal treatment under the law?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the Supreme Court of the United States
The highest judicial body in the United States is known as the Supreme Court, which was established by the U.S. Constitution. It consists of nine justices who serve lifetime appointments, making it one of the most powerful courts in the world. Over its history, the Supreme Court has had several notable members who have left lasting impacts on American law and society. Two such individuals are Clarence Thomas and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Clarence Thomas's Contributions
Clarence Thomas is currently serving as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 after having served as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1982 to 1990. In his time on the court, he has become well-known for being conservative with his rulings and opinions. Clarence Thomas is also known for his belief that Congress has overstepped its bounds when dealing with race issues, citing cases like Brown v Board of Education as examples where the courts made decisions rather than reviewing previous decisions. His ideas have been met with mixed reactions among other judges, some seeing them as refreshing interpretations while others consider him unjustifiably restrictive.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Legacy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, commonly referred to as RBG, was another significant figure in the Supreme Court. She became the second woman and first Jewish female justice in 1993 after being appointed by President Bill Clinton. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the court's ideology towards gender equality and civil rights. Some key achievements attributed to her include the rejection of gender-based discrimination in employment, advocating women's right to access birth control, and protecting LGBTQ+ rights through Obergefell v Hodges. Despite facing criticism regarding her liberal views, particularly during her confirmation hearings, RGB was highly respected by many as a strong advocate for equal treatment under the law.
Controversies Surrounding the Supreme Court
While both Justices Thomas and Ginsburg have contributed significantly to the court, their work has also faced controversies. For instance, Clarence Thomas came under fire for allegedly displaying racism, sexism, and homophobia throughout his career. There were even calls to impeach him based upon these claims. On the other hand, Ruth Bader Ginsburg received backlash primarily due to her more liberal stance on certain matters, leading to accusations of elitism. These incidents demonstrate how even the most influential figures can encounter challenges within their roles on the Supreme Court.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court of the United States continues to play a crucial part in shaping America's legal landscape. As we reflect on the legacies of Clarence Thomas and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, it becomes clear that their contributions have been instrumental in advancing the country toward a fairer and more just future.
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Description
Explore the backgrounds, contributions, and controversies surrounding Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Learn about their differing ideologies, significant rulings, and impacts on American law and society.
