"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, I offer our condolences to his children and the Rehnquist family. We join the President and the American people in mourning the death of this great jurist and public servant.
"Chief Justice Rehnquist served his country with distinction for decades, including at the Department of Justice as head of the Office of Legal Counsel. As Chief Justice, he presided over the Supreme Court and the entire federal judiciary with honor. I know that judges and lawyers around the country respected him as a model of fairness, integrity, and faithfulness to the rule of law.
"He also will be remembered for his role as a steward and historian of the Court. During his tenure as Chief Justice, the Court became known for its collegiality, even during times of profound disagreement on questions of law. He demonstrated a reverence for the Court's role and history that ensures that future generations of Americans will continue to respect the important place of the Court in our constitutional democracy. He will surely be remembered as one of our Nation's greatest Chief Justices, and his leadership, courage, and humility will be missed."
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