Chief Justice● Deceased
William Rehnquist
1924–2005 · Supreme Court seat #100 · 1972–2005 · VA
William Rehnquist was elevated to Chief Justice by Reagan in 1986 after fourteen years as an Associate Justice, and led the Court for nearly two decades, including presiding over President Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial and the Bush v. Gore decision that resolved the 2000 presidential election.
Confirmed as Associate Justice by Nixon in 1972; elevated to Chief Justice by President Reagan in 1986 upon Warren Burger’s retirement.
Appointed By
Richard Nixon
Predecessor
John Marshall Harlan II
Confirmed
September 17, 1986
Confirmation Vote
65–33
Tenure Began
January 7, 1972
Tenure Ended
September 3, 2005
Reason
Died in office