Politicians, lawyers and other Americans will be watching the US Supreme Court this morning as it ends its term with some of the most important rulings of the year - and the possible resignation of William Rehnquist, the court's long-serving chief justice.

Speculation mounted at the weekend over the possible retirement of the 80-year-old Mr Rehnquist, who is suffering from thyroid cancer. Lobbyist from left and right launched pre-emptive strikes, even though they do not know for sure whether the chief justice intends to resign today, later in the week, or not at all.