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Rehnquist, William H. (1924–2005)

During his long career on the U.S. Supreme Court, William Rehnquist went from an associate justice with conservative views on a predominantly liberal Court where his role was primarily that of dissenter, to a powerful chief justice who in areas such as affirmative action, states' rights, and First Amendment freedom of religion helped turn the Court in a new direction. Insofar as the Court has now accepted a majority of Justice Rehnquist's formerly minority views, his impact has been especially significant in the field of education law.

Early Years

William H. Rehnquist was born on October 1, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where his political ideology was molded at an early age. He grew up in a predominantly Republican suburban community to staunch conservative parents who disliked ...

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