Definition

1. Noun:
   • The presiding judge of a supreme court: The "chief justice" is the head judge or principal judicial officer of a court of final appeal, typically a supreme court. This individual often has administrative authority over the court and may preside over important hearings and deliver key opinions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chief justice administered the oath of office to the new president.
  • A landmark ruling was authored by the chief justice.
  • The retirement of the chief justice prompted a national search for a successor.

Advanced Usage

• "Chief Justice of the United States": The formal title for the head of the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • The portrait of the Chief Justice of the United States hangs in the courthouse.

Variants and Related Words

• Associate Justice (n): A member of a supreme court who is not the chief justice.
  • The decision was supported by five associate justices and the chief justice.

Synonyms

• Presiding judge: The judge who leads a court proceeding.
• Senior judge: The judge with the highest rank or longest service on a court (can be similar in context, though not always an official title).

Related Phrases

• To serve as chief justice: To hold the office of chief justice.
  • She was the first woman to serve as chief justice of the state's highest court.

Noun

1. the judge who presides over a supreme court