The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall appoint an executive clerk of that court, whose authority, functions and duties shall be prescribed from time to time by the Supreme Judicial Court by rule or administrative order. The executive clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court may administer oaths and may sign and issue summonses, writs and other process in the name of the State and under the seal of the court. [PL 1985, c. 68, §4 (NEW).]