Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died a week ago, has become the first woman in US history to lie in state at the US Capitol in Washington DC. The liberal icon died from pancreatic cancer after 27 years on the nation’s top court.

Thousands have been paying their respects as she lay in repose outside the Supreme Court building this week.  Ginsburg, who died aged 87, was an outspoken advocate for gender equality and civil rights. She has been mythologised by liberals and feminists as a barrier-breaking leader. Dubbed by her fans as the Notorious RBG, she also became the first justice to have two days of viewing at the Supreme Court. Given the sheer number of visitors coming to pay their respects, organisers determined one day would not be enough.

Makeshift memorials lined the court steps as the lines of those attending Ginsburg’s public viewings snaked around the National Mall. Her casket was kept outside the Supreme Court earlier this week to allow for outdoor visitation in light of Covid-19. The formal ceremony – in which she is lying in state at the US Congress – is invite-only, also due to the pandemic. It is being attended by senior elected officials. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife are also present.(BBC)…[+]