Myra Bradwell's license to practice law was rejected by the Illinois State Supreme Court because, as a married woman, she could not enter into any legal contracts.

"[t]he natural and proper timidity and delicacy which belongs to the female sex evidently unfits it for many of the occupations of civil life... The paramount destiny and mission of women are to fulfill the noble and benign offices of wife and mother. This is the law of the Creator." 
Justice Bradley - 83 U. S. 130, 142.
 
Bradwell v. Illinois
 
Fortunately for Mary Todd Lincoln, Myra Bradwell didn't have to go to court to get her out of the asylum.
 
 
 Mary and Myra by Catherine Filloux
October 28 - November 12
In the summer of 1875, Mary Todd Lincoln (the President's widow) 
resides in an insane asylum, sent there by her only living son.  
Her progressive friend Myra Bradwell (America's first woman lawyer) 
arrives to help Mary gain her release by exposing the injustices of her trial.  
But Myra's motives and Mary's sanity are both up for debate, 
as they grapple with their pasts and their perceptions of 
freedom and womanhood.  
Featuring Tamara Howell and Teresa Sanderson.
Directed by Fran Pruyn

Tickets: 801-355-ARTS
Rose Wagner Center for the Performing Arts
138 West 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah

Reminder: Bronwen Beecher CD Release
Saturday October 08, 2016 8:00 pm
THE STATE ROOM
See what's happening on our social sites
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest