William Rehnquist
William Rehnquist: A Life of Service to Justice
==============================
Full Name and Common Aliases
William Hubbs Rehnquist was born on October 1, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is commonly known as Bill Rehnquist.
Birth and Death Dates
October 1, 1924 - September 3, 2005
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Jurist and Politician
Rehnquist's life was marked by a commitment to public service, particularly in the field of law. He served as a lawyer, judge, and ultimately, as the 16th Chief Justice of the United States.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Milwaukee, Rehnquist developed a strong interest in history and politics. His family's conservative values instilled in him a sense of civic responsibility that would shape his future career. Rehnquist attended Stanford University on a scholarship, where he studied economics and political science before enlisting in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
After serving in the war, Rehnquist returned to Stanford, graduating in 1948. He then earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1952. His academic achievements and commitment to public service earned him a clerkship with Justice Robert H. Jackson on the United States Supreme Court.
Major Accomplishments
Rehnquist's remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which he made significant contributions to the American judiciary:
As an Associate Justice (1972-1986), Rehnquist developed a reputation for conservative judicial philosophy and was part of several landmark decisions.
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed him as Chief Justice, where he served until his death in 2005.
During his tenure as Chief Justice, Rehnquist led the Court through significant changes, including the appointment of new justices and the handling of high-profile cases.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by William Rehnquist include:
Oklahoma v. New Mexico (1981): As an Associate Justice, Rehnquist wrote the majority opinion in this case, which established a crucial precedent for water rights disputes.
Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989): Rehnquist's dissenting opinion in this case highlighted his strong views on abortion and state sovereignty.Impact and Legacy
William Rehnquist's impact on the American judiciary cannot be overstated:
His conservative judicial philosophy influenced generations of judges and lawyers.
As Chief Justice, he played a significant role in shaping the Court's agenda and promoting federalism.
Despite his passing, Rehnquist's legacy continues to shape the law and inspire public discourse.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
William Rehnquist is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His strong commitment to conservative principles and limited government.
His influential opinions on landmark cases that continue to shape American law.
* His dedication to public service, which spanned over five decades.
Rehnquist's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of public service and the enduring impact one person can have on society.
Quotes by William Rehnquist
Perhaps you should say there should be mandatory retirement even of members of the court, members of the federal judiciary. I’m sure there can be questions about whether one does as good work when you get into your – you know, I’m 67.
Pregnancy is of course confined to women, but it is in other ways significantly different from the typical covered disease or disability.
The ‘wall of separation between church and state’ is a metaphor based on bad history, a metaphor which has proved useless as a guide to judging. It should be frankly and explicitly abandoned.
Somewhere “out there,” beyond the walls of the courthouse, run currents and tides of public opinion which lap at the courtroom door.
The 'wall of separation between church and state' is a metaphor based on bad history, a metaphor which has proved useless as a guide to judging. It should be frankly and explicitly abandoned.
What many of those who oppose the use of juries in civil trials seem to ignore is that the founders of our Nation considered the right of trial by jury in civil cases an important bulwark against tyranny and corruption, a safeguard too precious to be left to the whim of the sovereign, or, it might be added, to that of the judiciary.
At the heart of the First Amendment is the recognition of the fundamental importance of the free flow of ideas and opinions on matters of public interest and concern. The freedom to speak one's mind is not only an aspect of individual liberty - and thus a good unto itself - but also is essential to the common quest for truth and the vitality of society as a whole. We have therefore been particularly vigilant to ensure that individual expressions of ideas remain free from governmentally imposed sanctions.
A father's interest in having a child--perhaps his only child--may be unmatched by any other interest in his life. It is truly surprising that the state must assign a greater value to a mother's decision to cut off a potential human life by abortion than to a father's decision to let it mature into a live child.
I realize that it is an unpopular and unhumanitarian position, for which I have been excoriated by 'liberal' colleagues, but I think Plessy v. Ferguson was right and should be re-affirmed,