How Rehnquist Changed America

As speculation builds about new faces on the Supreme Court, a close look at the Chief Justice's legacy shows the many ways the court has diluted Washington's power

Listen closely around official Washington this week, and you can hear a very subtle sound. It's people holding their breath. The latest Supreme Court term is drawing to a close. There are important rulings on affirmative action and gay rights still outstanding. But the decision that the city is really waiting for will be handed down by one man alone. At age 78, with a bad back, a Republican in the White House and his own powerful legacy firmly in place, Chief Justice William Rehnquist may decide this would be the perfect time to retire. If he steps away now, he...

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