Farewell Justice Rehnquist

Chief Justice William Rehnquist passed away this evening. Justice Rehnquist had been fighting a long battle with thyroid cancer. He was nominated by President Nixon and served a distinguished 33 years, 7 months and 26 days on the United States Supreme Court. He became chief justice in 1986 when President Reagan promoted him to the position.

From Oyez.com:
William H. Rehnquist's service on the Supreme Court allowed him to witness - and direct - a dramatic transition in political ideology. From associate justice in 1972 to his present role as chief justice, Rehnquist struggled against liberal colleagues Brennan, Marshall, and Blackmun. Later, as the leader of a conservative court, Rehnquist enjoyed the luxury of sitting in the majority. And as chief justice, Rehnquist often attracted the support of the liberal remnant of the Court. A highly practical man, Rehnquist found inspiration in Charles Evans Hughes' practice of compromising to secure the broadest majority. In many ways, Rehnquist's desires to maintain high credibility for the Court and the law, the result of a general perception of judicial unity, has contributed greatly to his success in mobilizing the Court's conservative shift. Thus, despite the current return of the Court to a more moderate balance, Rehnquist's conservative vision and influence will no doubt stay strong during his tenure.

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