The Week in Review: Chief Justice William Rehnquist
Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the 16th chief justice of the United States, served from 1986 until his death in 2005. His tenure was marked by a significant shift towards judicial conservatism and an emphasis on federalism and states' rights.
Key Contributions:
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Federalism: Rehnquist is known for limiting Congress's power under the Commerce Clause. In United States v. Lopez (1995), he wrote the majority opinion striking down the Gun-Free School Zones Act, arguing that it exceeded Congress’s authority to regulate interstate commerce. Similarly, in United States v. Morrison (2000), he invalidated a provision of the Violence Against Women Act.
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Impeachment Trial: He presided over President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999, one of only two chief justices to do so since Salmon P. Chase.
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Bush v. Gore: In Bush v. Gore (2000), Rehnquist joined the majority opinion that stopped Florida’s recount, effectively allowing George W. Bush to win the presidency.
Leadership:
Rehn
Read the full article at SCOTUSblog
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