Section 7 Vacancies in office - Massachusetts Statutes

Section 7. In the case of a vacancy in the office of chief justice of a department of the trial court due to the absence of said chief justice or due to his inability to perform his duties, the office of chief justice in such event shall be filled as provided in section five. The temporary chief justice so appointed may hold said office until the incumbent shall resume his duties and subject to the chief justice for administration and management, but in no event longer than six months. A temporary chief justice shall be eligible to serve a consecutive full term as chief justice.

In the case of a vacancy in the office of chief justice for administration and management due to the absence of said chief justice for administration and management or due to his inability to perform his duties, said office shall be filled by the justices of the supreme judicial court until said chief justice for administration and management shall resume his duties and subject to the justices of said court or until a new chief justice for administration and management is qualified as hereinbefore provided, but in no event shall such office be so filled for a period in excess of six months. The justice appointed as chief justice for administration and management under the provisions of this section shall be eligible to serve a consecutive full term as chief justice for administration and management of the trial court. A chief justice for administration and management may be removed for cause in such manner as shall be provided by the justices of the supreme judicial court, and after a public hearing if it is so requested by the chief justice for administration and management. A vote for removal shall be by a majority of the justices of the supreme judicial court.