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September 3, 2005
Supreme Court Judge William Rehnquist has Died
Topics: Supreme Court
We were saddened to learn that after presiding over the Supreme Court for nearly 19 years Chief Justice William Rehnquist has died today at the age 80. Rehnquist, who had been receiving chemotherapy and radiation for thyroid cancer, died at an Arlington, Virginia, hospital surrounded by his three children, a court spokeswoman said. [CNN]
According to Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg, "The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his dues on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days."
President Nixon appointed Rehnquist in 1971 and he began to serve as an associate justice on Jan. 7, 1982. He was elevated to chief justice by President Reagan in 1986. According to the Chicago Tribune, the only chief justice older than Rehnquist was Roger Taney, who presided over the high court in the mid-1800s until his death at 87. Rehnquist was also closing in on the record for longest-serving justice. Only four men were on the court 34 years or longer.
Many who uphold the sanctity of human life remember him as one of the justices that voted against the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that ushered in an age of abortion. Rehnquist was the only justice remaining on the court who participated in the decision.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they grieve the loss a great man who served his country sacrificially and will courage and honor.
Posted by tim at September 3, 2005 11:08 PM
Although we've all been expecting this, it's sad to see a great man's life come to an end. Let's hope that his legacy includes a continued movement toward a more conservative and less politically active SCOTUS.
Posted by: Richard at September 4, 2005 7:02 AM
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