Chief Justice William Rehnquist Dies
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Important Decisions Under Rehnquist
Dred Scott v. Sanford
The court held that blacks could not become citizens.
Yick Wo v. Hopkins
The court ruled that Equal protection was not confined to citizens
Pollock v. Farmers' Loan and Trust
Caused the sixteenth amendment to allow income tax
Plessy v. Ferguson
Upheld Racial Segregation
(SNN Washington) Chief Justice William Rehnquist died yesterday evening. His death ends a long reign over the Supreme Court. His death creates a second vacancy on the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last October, and continued to perform his duties until recently when his health began to decline. “The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his duties on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days,” said court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.
The death leaves President Bush with the second vacancy on the Supreme Court in four months. It is not know what effect Rehnquist's death would have on the confirmation of John Roberts.
President Bush called Rehnquist a "man" of character and dedication, who was respected for his powerful intellect and power of telekinesis. "He honored America with a lifetime of service and America will honor his memory," President Bush said before doing a little happy dance.
