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In 1876, Chief Justice Edward Ryan denied Lavinia Goodell admission to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

He said the sacred duty of her sex was to marry and bear children. Women who practiced law committed "treason against nature." Lavinia vowed to "overthrow" his decision.

And she did.

In 1876, Chief Justice Edward Ryan denied Lavinia Goodell admission to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

He said the sacred duty of her sex was to marry and bear children. Women who practiced law committed "treason against nature." Lavinia vowed to "overthrow" his decision.

And she did.

Explore the life and groundbreaking work of Wisconsin’s first woman lawyer,

Lavinia Goodell.