[gavel banging]
- Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson: Lavinia Goddell was the first woman
to be admitted to the bar of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Her admission came only after a long struggle.
After having practiced in Janesville,
she petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court
for permission to practice before that court.
Chief Justice Ryan denied Miss Goddell's petition.
"Women should not be tempted," he wrote,
"from the proper duties of their sex
"by opening to them duties peculiar to men."
[gavel bangs]
1879, the legislature permitted women to practice law.
The Supreme Court then admitted Miss Goodell.
Sadly, nine months later, Miss Goddell died
after a long illness.
Her legacy to the men and women of this state
is that she paved the way for all of us
to follow careers of our choosing.
[gentle music]