Chief Justice of the Supreme Court - Definition and Overview

A Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the head judge in a supreme court. He or she can be appointed to the post in a variety of different ways, but in many nations the position is commonly given to the senior-most justice in the court.

In some nations the Chief Justice is called the President of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice is often responsible for serving as chair during private supreme court deliberations, and often is first to voice his opinion. However, most Supreme Courts are non-hierarchial, meaning the Chief Justice does not nessisarily have any direct power of control over the actions of the other judges. His personal ruling is equal in weight to the rulings of any associate judges on the court.

In several countries the Chief Justice is second-in-line to the office of President or Governor General, should the current occupant die or resign.

The title of the top American jurist is often, but incorrectly, said to be "Chief Justice of the Supreme Court." However, by statute, it is actually Chief Justice of the United States.

See also: Chief Justice of the United States