Conservative US Chief Justice dies

US Chief Justice William H Rehnquist has died from cancer, ending a 33-year Supreme Court career during which he oversaw the court’s conservative shift, presided over an impeachment trial and helped decide a presidential election.

His death creates a rare second vacancy on the nation’s highest court.

US President George W Bush paid tribute to Mr Rehnquist’s “character and dedication” and said he would work swiftly to fill the two openings at the Supreme Court.

“It will serve the best interest of the nation to fill those vacancies promptly,” Mr Bush said.

Mr Rehnquist, 80, died at home on Saturday night after a long battle with cancer, an event that gives Mr Bush the rare opportunity to name a second justice to the Supreme Court. In July, Mr Bush nominated federal appellate judge John Roberts to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

The president could elevate to chief justice one of the court’s conservatives, such as Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas, but it’s more likely he will choose someone from outside the court.

Mr Rehnquist, who helped speed up executions, is the only member still on the court who voted on Roe vs Wade, the landmark 1973 decision legalising abortion. He opposed that decision.