William Rehnquist served as an Associate Justice and later as the 16th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1972, he became known for his conservative views and strong emphasis on states' rights. Rehnquist led the Court from 1986 until his death in 2005, influencing key decisions on issues like abortion, affirmative action, and federalism. His tenure was marked by a commitment to judicial restraint and a belief in limited government intervention in the lives of individuals.