William Rehnquist was born on October 1, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in a middle-class family with a strong work ethic and a passion for education. After graduating from high school, Rehnquist decided to join the United States Army Air Forces, where he served for three years during World War II.
After his military service, Rehnquist attended Stanford University, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. He excelled in his studies and was known for his sharp legal mind. After graduating from law school, Rehnquist clerked for Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson before entering private practice in Arizona.
In 1971, Rehnquist was appointed by President Richard Nixon to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. During his time on the Court, Rehnquist gained a reputation for his conservative views and strict interpretation of the Constitution. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed Rehnquist as Chief Justice, a position he held for nineteen years, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Justices in history.
Throughout his life, Rehnquist was dedicated to his family. He was married to Nan Cornell from 1953 until her death in 1991. They had three children together. In addition to his family, Rehnquist was also known for his close friendship with fellow Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, whom he had attended law school with at Stanford.
William Rehnquist's legacy as Chief Justice is remembered for his strict adherence to the Constitution and his commitment to upholding the rule of law. He passed away on September 3, 2005, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Supreme Court and the legal profession as a whole.
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