Chief Justice: on the bench Monday?
on Mar 18, 2005 at 11:32 am
Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist has been working regularly in his chambers at the Supreme Court, and there is a possibility — although the Court would not confirm it Friday — that he will join his colleagues on the bench on Monday, for the opening of a two-week sitting.
The Court’s spokeswoman, Kathleen L. Arberg, asked Friday whether Rehnquist would be on the bench, said: “He has not yet decided.” She declined to elaborate on the statement, and declined to react to any speculation about whether he would return.
The Chief Justice has been undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer, and has not been on the bench for a public session since October 18. His only appearance in public since then was at President Bush’s inauguration on January 20, when the Chief Justice administered the oath. But he has been increasing his activity recently. Earlier this week, for example, he presided at a two-hour, closed-door session of the U.S. Judicial Conference, the federal courts’ policymaking arm.
No further word from the Court on Rehnquist’s status is expected until Monday morning. Thus, those in the courtroom for the opening at 10 a.m. probably will be the first to learn what he has decided.
The Court will be issuing opinions on at least one day next week, after returning from a two-week recess.
