WASHINGTON - US Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who has not attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court in five months because of cancer, may do so Monday, according to The Washington Post.
The newspaper Saturday quoted court officials as saying that Rehnquist had not decided whether he would attend, leaving the door open for a possible return to the bench of the 80-year-old justice who has been undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer since late October.
He has continued to vote in most cases argued before the court, however.
Rehnquist made a dramatic appearance at President George W. Bush`s second inauguration to administer the oath of office, leaning on a cane and wearing a device on his throat that enabled him to speak.
Court officials said Rehnquist had attended a meeting at the Supreme Court earlier this week. Witnesses described him as "in good spirits and moving without assistance," the report said.
Rehnquist is a conservative whose retirement is viewed as likely during Bush`s second four year term, giving the president his first shot at nominating a justice to the high court.
Although the court has not provided details of Rehnquist`s illness, outside experts have said he appears to have a form of thyroid cancer that is usually fatal within a year of diagnosis.
03/19/2005 13:03 GMT