He had been put on the commission of the peace for Essex about 1569 and in 1600 was described as the county's senior justice.
He was a senior associate justice until 1983.
The court may designate up to five senior justices.
In addition, a retired justice who has not been designated as a senior justice may sit with the court by special designation.
Otherwise, the senior justice in the majority assigns the writing of a decision.
A side door opened, and the senior justice entered, his arm through Chase's.
If he is in dissent, then the most senior associate justice in the majority gets to make the assignment.
The most senior justice was to serve as President of the Commission.
Some argued that the appointment should have been made from the ranks of the sitting associate justices, with preference given to the senior justice.
He soon become senior justice of this court.