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Supreme Court Chief Justice Rehnquist Dies of Thyroid Cancer
September 4th 2005
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Chief Justice
Rehnquist |
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Chief Justice
William Rehnquist died Saturday after losing his battle with thyroid
cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer in October but kept working
until the final days of his life. He died at his home in Arlington
Virginia surrounded by his three children. Born October 1st
1924; he was 80 years old.
Rehnquist was
the 16th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and was
considered stern on the bench and had a deep laugh. He would
sometimes snap at lawyers raising his eyebrows to an exaggerated
comical arch at their responses.
He was appointed
to the bench by President Nixon and was elevated to the post of
chief justice by President Reagan. Rehnquist was a strong supporter
of states’ rights and believed the federal powers should be
extremely limited.
The chief
justice consistently voted against affirmative action. He voted
against the right to an abortion in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
Rehnquist consistently favored more police power and fewer rights
for accused criminals, while also wanting to speed up death penalty
cases.
Rehnquist
presided over the impeachment trial of President Clinton. He
stirred up controversy when he sided with the majority in the
controversial 5-4 decision following the 2000 election sending
George Bush to the White House.
President Bush
was deeply saddened according to White House spokeswoman Jeanie Mamo
“His family is in their thoughts and prayers." For the first time
in 19 years there is an opening for the chief justice on the court.
This may launch a furious partisan battle.
Confirmation
hearings begin on Tuesday for appeals court Judge John Roberts. The
administration hopes Roberts will replace outgoing Sandra Day
O’Connor.
Roberts
Nomination and Hearings
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By
Dan Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer
Books About the Supreme Court
Keywords and misspellings: Rehnquist Renquest
Rinquest Renquist
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