The Rehnquist legacy /

In this collection of 18 essays from noted law professors, the "legal legacy" of Chief Justice William Rehnquist is assessed. The essays focus on four major areas of constitutional law, including the First Amendment's free speech protections, criminal procedure, federalism, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Chief Justice Rehnquist wrote hundreds of opinions during his 33 years as a justice; this book focuses only on those areas in which Rehnquist may have been most influential. According to editor Bradley, Rehnquist fulfilled his legacy by rolling back some of the sweeping Warren Court rulings and by running the Court in a smooth manner--assigning opinions fairly, keeping oral arguments before the Court within specified time limits, and allowing justices to state their views in conference in order of seniority. His legacy is that of a great chief justice who placed limits on Roe v. Wade, increased the power of state governments vis-a-vis Congress, significantly narrowed the scope of habeas corpus, and curtailed the ability of criminal defendants to succeed in Fourth Amendment claims. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Rehnquist's legal opinions, one must respect his effectiveness on the Court. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and practitioners. R. A. Strickland Appalachian State University