What fictional couple do you think has the strongest foundational relationship? Did they start as friends, enemies, or something else? Drop your favorites in the comments below!

This article explores the historical context of the term, analyzes the landmark court case featured in the film, looks at how it reshaped constitutional rights, and reviews the cinematic portrayal of this legal revolution. The Historical Architecture of Discrimination

On the Basis of Sex reminds audiences that constitutional law evolves through determined advocacy, careful argument, and sometimes unlikely alliances. It offers an accessible entry point to discussions about sex discrimination, equal protection, and how cultural change and legal reform interact.

Forced into academia, Ruth teaches at Rutgers Law School. The opportunity for change comes when Marty, now a successful tax lawyer, brings a case to her attention: Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue . A man, Charles Moritz, was denied a caregiver tax deduction simply because he was male. Ruth recognizes this as a perfect vehicle to challenge the very core of gender discrimination law. Despite being turned down by the ACLU, who fears the case is too small, she teams up with her husband and eventually the ACLU's Mel Wulf (Justin Theroux) to argue the case before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The film climaxes with Ginsburg's powerful oral argument, where she forces the judges to see that laws harming both men and women are unconstitutional, a landmark victory that begins to dismantle systemic sex discrimination.

The effects of sexism are multifaceted and far-reaching, impacting not only individuals but also society as a whole. Some of the consequences include: