At their first meeting in each odd-numbered year, the judges of the court of appeals shall, by majority vote, designate one of their number to serve as chief judge for a term of two years. In the absence of the chief judge, the senior judge present at the seat of government shall exercise the powers of the chief judge. Seniority shall be determined by the length of present continuous service on the court. In the event of a vacancy in the office of chief judge, the judges shall, by majority vote, designate one of their number to serve for the remainder of the term.

Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 34-5-2

  • Chief judge: The judge who has primary responsibility for the administration of a court but also decides cases; chief judges are determined by seniority.
  • Remainder: An interest in property that takes effect in the future at a specified time or after the occurrence of some event, such as the death of a life tenant.
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