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.