From Her Colleagues

Rarely have I written about the same subject for three days in a row, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg was rare indeed. There have been tributes pouring in ever since Justice Ginsburg passed away on Friday. So of the most moving have come from her colleagues, including the conservative justices that she often disagreed with.

Justice Clarence Thomas, the longest serving on the bench, said in part "She was a superb judge who gave her best and exacted the best from each of us, whether in agreement or disagreement. And, as outstanding as she was as a judge, she was an even better colleague – unfailingly gracious, thoughtful, and civil."

The Chief Justice, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., said "Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature. 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."

Justice Justice Sonia Sotomayor said "My dear friend and colleague Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American hero. She spent her life fighting for the equality of all people, and she was a pathbreaking champion of women’s rights. She served our Court and country with consummate dedication, tirelessness, and passion for justice. She has left a legacy few could rival."

A black drape has been hung over the Courtroom doors as a sign of respect and mourning and her chair and the front of the Bench where she sat have also been draped. This will stay in place for 30 days. The flags on the Supreme Court's front Plaza will be flown at half-staff for 30 days. A private interment service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

The statements (in full) from all of the justices can be found on the official US Supreme Court website at https://www.supremecourt.gov/publicinfo/press/pressreleases/pr_09-19-20