[JCEccles]

Three years ago I attended a session of the United States Supreme Court. It was my great privilege that day to be one of about 20 attorneys sworn in and admitted to that august bar. Rehnquist was still vigorous and seemed larger than life. During oral argument in one case an attorney seemed to be faltering and stammering, and I recall Rehnquist stepping in sympathetically and deftly to help focus and direct the attorney toward a more effective argument.

I also remember thinking that he must favor the faltering attorney's legal position. I was wrong. Rehnquist penned the majority 7-2 decision that favored the other party in the case.

Nevertheless, Rehnquist seemed always to me to be a consummate gentleman, a stellar credit to a much-maligned profession, the model of what every lawyer ought to be.

"Well done thou good and faithful servant."

[mrobison]

You must be one of the Eccles who means so much to the State of Utah. Thanks to you and your family for all you do! And thanks for this wise and erudite post! Best regards.

[AmishDude]

What is saddest to me is that I think that Rehnquist wanted to hold on long enough to swear in his old clerk.

[bitt]

'attended a session of the United States Supreme Court'


ah - lucky you for the experience.