How many people in this Role?
1 Chief Justices is selected from the 5 Justices of the Supreme Court
Who can run for this Role?
Must have at least 1 year of experience participating in Youth and Government.
Main Role and Responsibilities
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the student leader who presides over the Youth Supreme Court. The role is similar to that of a real state Chief Justice: managing the court process, ensuring fairness, and guiding justices through legal discussions. (The real Maine Supreme Judicial Court’s Chief Justice serves as the head of the judicial branch and oversees court administration; the Youth and Government role models that leadership position. )
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the Supreme Court session by opening and closing proceedings, maintaining order, and making sure the court follows its rules
- Preside over oral arguments by recognizing Attorneys and Advocates, managing questioning, and keeping arguments focused
- Guide the justices in discussing cases, weighing arguments, and reaching decisions
- Ensure fairness and procedure by ruling on procedural questions and making sure all participants have an equal opportunity to be heard
- Write or help coordinate court opinions, the Chief Justice may help organize the court’s written decisions.
- Represent the Judicial Branch by acting as the public face and leader of the Supreme Court during the Youth and Government Weekend
What skills are important for this Role?
If you are campaigning for Chief Justice, your key message should be: “I will lead fairly, protect the integrity of the court, and help every justice and attorney participate effectively.”
- Public speaking
- Knowledge of parliamentary/legal procedure
- Ability to stay neutral
- Strong listening and leadership skills
- Respect for opposing arguments
Does this Role attend the Leadership Training beginning on Thursday?
Yes!
Election/Selection Procedure
Justices are a unique selection process that mirrors how Maine Supreme Court Justices are selected. The Chief Justice will be named at closing ceremony and serve the following year.
- Interested candidates will complete the Supreme Court Justice Application
- Complete all the required information
- Explain why you would be a good Supreme Court Justice
- Deadline will be noon on Saturday
- Candidates will be interviewed by the Youth Governor on Saturday afternoon
- Youth Governor will select the slate of 5 Justices
- Youth Governor will nominate 1 Justice to be the Chief Justice
- On Sunday morning the Senate will confirm the Youth Governor’s Nominations
- The new Supreme Court Justices will be announced and sworn in on Sunday at Closing Ceremony
