ORS 2.045 Chief Justice

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall be a judge of the court selected by vote of a majority of the judges of the court. The judges of the court shall endeavor to select a judge who is well qualified to act as the administrative head of the judicial department of government in this state.

The Chief Justice may be removed from the office of Chief Justice by vote of a majority of the judges of the court when the Chief Justice fails to perform adequately the functions of the office.

The term of office of the Chief Justice is six years, commencing on the date of selection. The term of office of the Chief Justice is not interrupted by expiration of the term of the Chief Justice as a judge of the court if the judge is elected judge of the court for a succeeding term. A judge may be selected as Chief Justice for successive terms of the office of Chief Justice.

If there is a vacancy for any cause in the office of Chief Justice, a successor Chief Justice shall be selected by vote of a majority of the judges of the court.

The Chief Justice may designate another judge of the court to perform the functions of the office of Chief Justice when the Chief Justice is temporarily unable to perform those functions.