the Nine page 3

 the Nine page 3 by ric gustafson

On Sept 6 2005, the Supreme Court justices gathered to say goodbye to one of their own. They gathered to say goodbye to William Rehnquist. He served on the court for 33 years. At one point, he had 105 law clerks . He was a stickler for promptness and efficiency.

In one of the Supreme Court's elegant conference rooms , the justices gathered. At 10:00 am, the group gathered on the front steps. Seven male justices and one female waited to bring the casket inside.

On the bottom step was Justice Stephen G Breyer. He was 67. He joined the court in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. The next justice was Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was appointed in 1993 one year before Breyer. Next was Justice Clarence Thomas. At 57, he looked like an old man. Justice David Souter was not there but was coming to the funeral the next day. Justice Anthony Kennedy was absent also. Next was 69 year old Antonin Scalia. President Reagan appointed him in 1986. Next was Justice Sandra Day Oconnor. She was the first appointed female justice. Last on the steps was Justice John Paul Stevens. At 85, he was the oldest. Replacing Rehnquist as Chief Justice was John Roberts.

research help: ' The Nine' by Jeffrey Toobin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric