[BlackRazor]

Excuse my ignorance, but I have a practical question. Exactly what powers/responsibilities does the Chief Justice have, over and above those of the other justices?

[Bubba_Leroy]

When he is in the majority on a vote, he decides which Justice will write the opinion of the Court. When he is in the minority, he decides who will write the minority opinion. In case of a presidential impeachment, he sits as judge over the Senate. Also, he has control over administrative matters in the Court and the appointment of various court officers.

[nicollo]

This is an excellent question. Here's my best, quick reply:

The CJ is an administrative position. He sets the agenda and controls functions, forms, rules, and schedules. He also gets the hottest limousine (I've saw Rhenquist's on the way out of the factory -- beeeautiful: short, discrete and very private with a solid rear-quarter as opposed to tinted glass).

Also, the CJ presides over the Senate during impeachment trials.