Rehnquist returns to high court bench
Chief justice has been absent since illness revealed in October
From Bill Mears
CNN Washington Bureau
 | |
| |
| RELATED |
• High drama awaits high court
• Big cases still to be argued
|
|
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- For the first time since October, Chief Justice William Rehnquist returned to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday for oral arguments.
No comments were made about his return or his illness, either by him or the other justices.
Rehnquist showed no emotion, paid sharp attention to the argument being presented in the first case before the court, and asked eight or nine technical questions.
Rehnquist's voice was fairly strong, and he had to clear his throat only a couple time. He has a tracheotomy tube in his throat to assist his breathing.
The 80-year-old Rehnquist has been working from home since October, although he did appear at President Bush's inauguration on January 20 to administer the oath of office.
Rehnquist's return to work came as the justices returned after a two-week recess.
Despite his illness, Rehnquist administered the oath of office at President Bush's January 20 inauguration.
There are signs that the justice's health may be improving. He presided last week over the semiannual Judicial Conference, a gathering of federal judges and officials from the Bush administration and Congress.
U.S. Appeals Court Judge Carolyn Dineen King, who attended the closed-door meeting, said Rehnquist walked without assistance and "was in very good humor and looked comfortable" as he presided during a two-hour session.
Sources close to the chief justice have said he has been responding to outpatient chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
At his home, Rehnquist has been leading weekly Supreme Court conferences and writing opinions. Occasionally, he has done work at his office at the court.
Rehnquist's illness has led to speculation he would resign when the court's term ends in June. His office has not commented on his plans. He underwent a tracheotomy in October to help him breathe.
Rehnquist is the longest-serving justice currently on the court. President Nixon appointed him in 1972, and President Reagan elevated him to chief justice in 1986.
