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Chief Justice and president judges - 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 325

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     § 325.  Chief Justice and president judges.
        (a)  General rule.--The Chief Justice of Pennsylvania and the
     president judges of all courts with seven or less judges shall
     be the judge longest in continuous service on their respective
     courts. In the event of his resignation from this position the
     judge next longest in continuous service shall be the Chief
     Justice of Pennsylvania or the president judge. Should any two
     or more judges of the same court assume office at the same time,
     they shall cast lots forthwith for priority of commission, and
     certify the results to the Governor who shall issue their
     commissions accordingly.
        (b)  Courts of eight or more judges.--The president judges of
     all courts with eight or more judges shall be selected for five-
     year terms by the members of their respective courts. In the
     event of a tie vote for the office of president judge, the
     Supreme Court shall appoint as president judge one of the judges
     receiving the highest number of votes.
        (c)  Traffic Court of Philadelphia.--Notwithstanding any
     other provision of this section, the President Judge of the
     Traffic Court of Philadelphia shall be appointed by the Governor
     for a five-year term or at the pleasure of the Governor.
        (d)  Resignation and temporary inability.--The Chief Justice
     of Pennsylvania or a president judge may resign such position
     and remain a member of the court.
        (e)  Powers of president judge.--Except as otherwise provided
     or prescribed by this title, by general rule or by order of the
     governing authority, the president judge of a court shall:
            (1)  Be the executive and administrative head of the
        court, supervise the judicial business of the court,
        promulgate all administrative rules and regulations, make all
        judicial assignments, and assign and reassign among the
        personnel of the court available chambers and other physical
        facilities.
            (2)  Exercise the powers of the court under section
        2301(a)(2) (relating to appointment of personnel).

Last modified: November 27, 2007