The Intellectual Maturation and Ideological Legacy of William Rehnquist

by George Willmott

2024 · Archway Publishing

This book explores the pivotal career and judicial legacy of William Rehnquist (1924-2005). With the political polarization and controversial cases swirling around the Supreme Court in recent years, understanding the development of Rehnquist is critical to anyone seeking to learn about modern judicial conservatism and its origins. While the last several years have marked perhaps the height of judicial conservatism, the movement’s origins lie with William Rehnquist. “This fascinating book by a remarkably talented young scholar provides an illuminating and engaging history of Justice Rehnquist’s entire intellectual life. A scholarly work but also an entertaining read, the book is a unique biography of William Rehnquist as well as a concise history of the Supreme Court during his time.” - Theodore W. Ruger John H. Chestnut Professor of Law and Former Dean, University of Pennsylvania Law School