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Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the presiding member of New England's highest court, and is the head of the judicial branch of the Government of New England. The highest judicial officer in the country, the Chief Justice leads the business of the Supreme Court and would, in theory, preside over any impeachment of a monarch. The Chief Justice also administers the oath of office to Ministers of State before the Monarch when they are appointed.
The current Chief Justice, Rodney Innes, was appointed by the King on the advice of the then First Minister, Jim Gordon.
Duties
The Chief Justice is often responsible for serving as chair during private supreme court deliberations, and often is first to voice his opinion. However, the one substantial difference between a Chief Justice and any of the other members of the Court is that where an opinion on the court is evenly divided, that side of the question supported by the Chief Justice is the side which prevails.
As with all other Justices of New England's courts, appointment is until the mandatory retirement age of seventy-five, and new appointments cannot be made if a candidate has reached the age of seventy.
In certain circumstances, the Chief Justice a may assume a position on the Regency Council for the duration of the incapacitation of the monarch. This council carries out all functions of the Monarchy and is usually chaired by the heir to the throne. The Chief Justice usually is called upon to act as a protector of the constitution and has the final say in the determination of incapacity when a monarch falls ill.
List of Chief Justices
| Chief Justices of the Supreme Court | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Name | Took Office | Left Office | Appointed By |
| 1 | Sir Robin Thomas | 1 October 2012 | 19 January 2023 | Jonathon Braddock |
| 2 | Sir John Carter | 19 January 2023 | 30 November 2034 | Antonia Davidson |
| 3 | Dame Elizabeth Hall | 30 November 2034 | 13 June 2045 | John Tudor |
| 4 | Rodney Innes | 13 June 2045 | Incumbent | Jim Gordon |
