The role includes constitutional and administrative duties, in addition to taking part in ordinary judicial proceedings.

[5] The position of chief justice is filled following the nomination by the cabinet of the Irish government and appointed by the president of Ireland.

Traditionally an informal process took place where the taoiseach, tánaiste, attorney general of Ireland, and minister for justice would privately consult to bring a proposed appointee to cabinet.

[10] In the event of illness or vacancy of the post, the role of chief justice is exercised by the president of the Court of Appeal.

[11] The term of chief justice lasts for seven years, or until reaching the mandatory retirement age of seventy.

[13] John L. Murray continued to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court after his seven-year term had concluded.

The chief justice is one of three members of the Presidential Commission which acts jointly to perform the duties of the president of Ireland in the event of temporary absence, incapacity or death.

[17] The declarations of office made by all Irish judges take place in the presence of the chief justice.

[19] Although not outlined in the Constitution, the chief justice has a longstanding role in presidential inaugurations in Dublin Castle.