The Supreme Judicial Court, as heretofore established, consists of a Chief Justice and 6 associate justices and such Active Retired Justices as may be appointed and serving on said court, learned in the law and of sobriety of manners. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. QQ, §1 (AMD).]

The Chief Justice is the head of the judicial branch of the State. In the event of the Chief Justice’s disability for any cause, the senior associate, not under disability, shall perform any and all of the duties of the Chief Justice. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. QQ, §1 (AMD).]

The Supreme Judicial Court has general administrative and supervisory authority over the judicial branch and shall make and promulgate rules, regulations and orders governing the administration of the judicial branch. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. QQ, §1 (AMD).]

The Chief Justice, as head of the judicial branch, shall prepare the budget for the judicial branch. The Chief Justice may approve financial orders for transfers and revisions of and increases to allotment within the judicial branch in accordance with procedures for financial orders established in the executive branch. The Chief Justice shall provide a copy of each approved financial order to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget and the Office of Fiscal and Program Review. [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. W, §1 (AMD).]

The Chief Justice, as the head of the judicial branch, shall, in accordance with the rules, regulations and orders of the Supreme Judicial Court, be responsible for the efficient operation of the judicial branch and for the expeditious dispatch of litigation therein and for the proper conduct of business in all courts. The Chief Justice may require reports from all courts in the State and may issue orders and regulations necessary for the efficient operation of the judicial branch and the prompt and proper administration of justice. [PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. QQ, §1 (AMD).]