The chief justice of the Federated States of Micronesia is the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia. The position is established in article XI, section 2 of the federal Constitution.
As per article XI, section 3 of the Constitution, the chief justice is "appointed by the President with the approval of 2/3 of Congress".
He must be at least 30 years of age, and must have graduated from an accredited law school, or have practiced law at least five years and demonstrate "extraordinary legal ability".Federated States of Micronesia Code, clause 107
There have been four chief justices since independence. Edward C. King served until his resignation in 1993, whereupon Andon Amaraich was appointed to the position. Chief Justice Amaraich continued to serve until his death in January 2010."The Federated States of Micronesia Mourns the loss of one of its Founding Fathers: Chief Justice Andon Amaraich" , Government of the F.S. Micronesia, January 28, 2010Indiana Law Update , September 2009
Honorable Acting Chief Justice Martin G. Yinug took his Oath of Office as the Chief Justice of the Federated States of Micronesia by H.E. President Manny Mori at the FSM Supreme Court in Palikir, Pohnpei on May 5, 2011,"Press Release: Investiture Proceeding for Hon. Chief Justice Martin G. Yinug" serving until his death on August 31, 2014.Proclamation from Office of the President of Federated States of Micronesia, dated September 3, 2014
On October 2, 2015, the Honorable Dennis K. Yamase was sworn-in as Chief Justice as the chief justice of the Federated States of Micronesia by Associate Justice Beauleen Carl-Worswick. In 2021, Beauleen Carl-Worswick began serving as the acting chief justice upon Yamase’s retirement.
Chief Justices
Name Took office Left office Notes Edward C. KingMarch 19811 June 1992 Andon Amaraich17 December 1994January 2010 Martin Yinug5 May 201131 August 2014 Dennis Yamase2 October 2015September 2021Beauleen Carl-Worswick (Acting)September 2021
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