A chief judge is also known as a presiding judge or a chief justice. When there are multiple judges in a court, he or she is the highest ranking. This position is held by the country’s highest court, also known as the supreme or high court. Hearing complex cases and legal arguments, discussing the case with the other judges, and writing the final decision are all responsibilities of a chief judge.
This position is the culmination of a distinguished career as a lawyer and judge. Because there are so few courts with multiple judges, there are only a few chief judge positions available. The chief judgeship can be rotated among the judges or it can be a permanent appointment. The procedures for appointing a chief judge are usually well-defined, and the process is completed by the agency in charge of appointing judges to the courts.
The chief judge’s primary responsibility is to hear complex cases.
Social issues, potential miscarriages of justice, and government policies are common themes in the cases that reach this level of court. The judges at this level are in charge of reading all of the court files related to the case, including the arguments presented to other judges. Aside from this background reading, the judge must also read the arguments surrounding the main issue on which they must rule.
The judges meet and go over the issues in detail after reviewing the documentation and listening to the lawyers’ arguments. The chief judge is in charge of leading the discussion with the other judges, ensuring that meetings are well-structured, and that all relevant research is provided. The case’s details are debated, and the chief judge oversees the voting process.
The chief judge is in charge of writing the final decision once a consensus has been reached. This statement is made on behalf of all of the court’s judges. It contains information on the votes cast in favor and against the motion, as well as the legal basis for the decision. This procedure takes a long time and is usually completed five to seven months after the arguments are presented.
In addition to his or her legal responsibilities, the chief judge may be asked to give public speeches or lead legal seminars. Many chief judges publish academic books or journal articles on the finer points of the law and how it affects society. These contributions are not required by law, but they are a common way for judges to have a broader impact on society and the legal system.