The
Chief Justice of the United States is the head of the Judicial Branch of the
government of the
United States, and presides over the
Supreme Court of the United States. The office is often, and incorrectly, referred to as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is composed of nine members, though that number has varied over the years, headed by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice, like all the other justices, is nominated by the
President and confirmed to sit on the court by the
U.S. Senate. Some justices, like
William H. Rehnquist, were elevated to the highest post on the court by the President after having served previously on the bench as associate justice. Others, like
William Howard Taft, were nominated to the highest bench without any previous experience on the court.
Duties
In addition to the duties of the Associate Justices, the Chief Justice has the following duties:
Chief Justices
- † Denotes elevation from associate justice.
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