Chief justice

Lore & Background

The chief justice serves as the head of a supreme court in many common law jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom, the three legal jurisdictions have separate heads: the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, and the Lord President of the Court of Session (also Lord Justice General) for Scotland. These judges are not part of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, which is headed by the President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. The selection of a chief justice varies; in many nations the position is given to the most senior justice, while in the United States the chief justice is appointed by the President subject to Senate approval. The title of the top American jurist is, by statute, Chief Justice of the United States, though 'Chief Justice of the Supreme Court' is used unofficially.

Reader's Guide

The chief justice holds a role of significant procedural and ceremonial importance. In several countries, the chief justice is second or third in line to succeed the head of state. For example, if the Governor General of Canada is unable to perform duties, the Chief Justice of Canada acts in that capacity. In India, the Chief Justice of India serves as officiating President if both the President and Vice-President are unable to discharge functions. Additionally, chief justices often swear in high officers of state, such as the Chief Justice of the United States administering the oath at a presidential inauguration, or the Chief Justice of South Africa doing so for the President of South Africa. In some countries, the chief justice also presides over legislative matters, such as the impeachment trial of a president in the United States. The position's authority is equal to that of associate justices in rulings, but carries unique administrative and ceremonial duties.

Did You Know?

• The chief justice's personal ruling is equal in weight to the rulings of any associate judges on the court.
• In Canada, if the Governor General is unable to perform duties, the Chief Justice of Canada performs the duties of the governor general.
• In India, the Chief Justice of India acts as Officiating President if both the President and Vice-President are unable to discharge functions.
• The Chief Justice of the United States traditionally administers the oath of office at the inauguration of the President of the United States.