U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist did not return to work on Monday, stating he was recovering from a cancer-related surgery.

Rehnquist announced that he had been diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer 10 days ago. At the time, he said he would attend oral arguments yesterday but his failure to return stirred speculation that he will step down from the court. His replacement would be named by the president.

The court is due to her the self-determination contract support cost case involving the Cherokee Nation next Tuesday.

Get the Story:
Rehnquist's Illness Forces Absence (The Washington Post 11/2)
pwpwd
Rehnquist Fails to Return, and Speculation Increases (The New York Times 11/2)
pwnyt
Extended Absence of Chief Justice Hints at More Serious Cancer Than He First Indicated (The New York Times 11/2)
pwnyt