Chief Justice of the United States facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chief Justice of theUnited States |
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| Style | The Honorable (formal) Mr. Chief Justice (informal) Your Honor (when addressed directly in court) |
| Appointer | Presidential nomination with Senate confirmation |
| Term length | Life tenure |
| Constituting instrument | U.S. Constitution |
| Inaugural holder | John Jay
as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
September 26, 1789 |
| Formation | March 4, 1789 |
The Chief Justice of the United States is the main judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. This person leads the highest court in the country.
The Chief Justice has the same legal powers as the other eight judges. These other judges are called Associate Justices. However, the Chief Justice has extra jobs. They help organize the Court's schedule and manage its daily work.
By tradition, the Chief Justice gives the oath of office to the President. This happens when a new president starts their term. This tradition has almost always been followed. Only once did this not happen, when Calvin Coolidge became president.
Contents
What Does the Chief Justice Do?
The Chief Justice has several important roles. They are the leader of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. This means they are in charge of the court system.
Leading Court Discussions
The Chief Justice guides the discussions when the Supreme Court hears cases. They help make sure everyone gets a chance to speak. They also help the Court decide which cases to hear.
Managing the Court's Work
The Chief Justice is like the CEO of the Supreme Court. They oversee how the Court runs. This includes managing its budget and staff. They also make sure the Court's work is done smoothly.
Swearing in the President
One of the most visible jobs is giving the oath to the President. This happens during the inauguration ceremony. It shows the link between the judicial and executive branches.
A Look at Past Chief Justices
The Supreme Court has had many Chief Justices. Each one has played a key role in shaping American law. They help interpret the U.S. Constitution.
The First Chief Justice
John Jay was the very first Chief Justice. He started his job in 1789. He helped set up the Supreme Court in its early days.
The Longest-Serving Chief Justice
John Marshall served as Chief Justice for 34 years. He was in office from 1801 to 1835. He made many important decisions that shaped American law.
The Current Chief Justice
The current Chief Justice is John Roberts. He started his term in 2005. He continues the important work of leading the Supreme Court.
Images for kids
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John Jay, the first Chief Justice.
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John Rutledge.
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Oliver Ellsworth.
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John Marshall, who served for 34 years.
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Roger Brooke Taney.
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Salmon Portland Chase.
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Morrison Remick Waite.
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Melville Weston Fuller.
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Edward Douglass White.
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William Howard Taft, who also served as President.
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Charles Evans Hughes.
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Harlan Fiske Stone.
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Frederick Moore Vinson.
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Earl Warren.
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Warren Earl Burger.
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William Hubbs Rehnquist.
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John Glover Roberts, Jr., the current Chief Justice.
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See also
In Spanish: Presidente de la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos para niños
