Posted on 11/26/2004 6:36:00 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October, will not be present when the Supreme Court reconvenes next week to hear oral arguments, the Washington Post reported.
The paper, quoting a court spokeswoman in the news article published on its Web site, reported that Rehnquist would be absent for at least two more weeks during the court's next session that runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 10.
The chief justice, 80, missed oral arguments in the first two weeks of November, though he initially said he could be on the bench during that time, the paper wrote.
Friday's announcement from the court is the latest indication that Rehnquist has not yet recovered sufficiently to take up the full range of his normal activities, the Post wrote.
He continues to vote on cases despite not attending oral arguments. According to the Post, Rehnquest and his staff at his northern Virginia home are working on his annual report on the federal judiciary to be published Jan. 1.
Two more milestones on the calendar are the court's annual Christmas party, traditionally organized by Rehnquist, which is scheduled for Dec. 17, and President Bush (news - web sites)'s Jan. 20 inauguration, at which the chief justice would normally administer the oath of office, the paper wrote.
Rehnquist's condition is the focus of intense speculation due in part to the possibility that he may have to step down, creating the first vacancy on the court in more than 10 years.
I forgot about that. If he is unable, I wonder who will take his place.
Most seniority / Judge is what I suspect, not sure.
President Bush could also send a message by letting someone like John Roberts of the DC court or one of the Luttig/Wilkinson twosome from the Court of Appeals.
Something to the effect of "I can't have the real Chief Justice here so I'm going to be sworn in by the next one" shot across the bow to Senate Dems.
Not that farfetched when you think about it.
Stevens is the most senior judge, and I'd rather not see him at the inauguration. He could also have Thomas or Scalia do it as well.
Please clarify this matter of who would swear in President Bush?
To my knowledge, any federal judge can administer the oath of office to the President, not just a Supreme Court justice.
Slow down, pardner. :-) Do we know his actual condition? Treatment for thyroid cancer is usually very effective unless it has advanced too far.
At least wait until the new Senate is seated.
Not true. If the Senate failed to confirm a sitting associate justice to be elevated to Chief Justice, that justice would still have his or her seat on the court. Judges are appointed for life. The only way they leave office is by death, retirement, or impeachment and conviction.
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