Ruth Bader Ginsburg Rules a Hot Dog to Be a Sandwich

The Supreme Court Justice has analyzed the arguments and handed down her decision.

By Ethan L. Johns
March 23, 2018

Image: Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court—sometimes better known as the Notorious RBG, depending on who you talk to—is known for a number of things. Of course, she’s known for those jabots. You know, the lace collars? Of course you do. And more importantly, she’s known for her poise, intelligence and decisiveness in the courtroom.

On Wednesday, Justice Ginsburg handed down a decision of little-to-no importance, which has coincidently become one of the most important pieces of food news this week. In a pre-recorded segment from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the feminist icon sat down with Colbert for an interview before showing him how a real Justice pumps iron in the gym.

“I was told not to ask her about any pending cases before the court, but I just had to press her on one of the most divisive issues facing our country,” said Colbert in a voice-over. “Is a hot dog a sandwich?”

“You’re asking me?” she responded, bewildered, after hesitating. “You tell me what a sandwich is and I’ll tell you if a hot dog is a sandwich.”

There it was; an encapsulation of the great logic and reasoning required of a truly great Supreme Court Justice.

Colbert went on to explain that a sandwich is made up of two pieces of bread with literally anything in between them—implying that this KFC Waffle Double Down is not actually a sandwich. Justice Ginsburg, immediately picking up on the fine details of the question, asked about a roll that isn’t completely separated.

“See, this is why you’re on the Supreme Court,” said Colbert, before giving the example of a sub sandwich.

Then, to bated breath, the Notorious RBG handed down her decision in the case of Hot Dog v. Sandwich.

“On your definition, yes, it is.”

Rewrite the food textbooks, the law textbooks and the history textbooks, because this case is settled, folks.

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About Ethan L. Johns

Ethan is the Food News Writer at Genius Kitchen. An expert on the Parisian bistrot, he likes bitters and salted butters, and is no fan of dessert unless it's made with fruit. His hobbies include reading up on the history of borscht and attempting to roll perfect couscous by hand. Twits & Instagram @EthanLJohns