Justice Mark Martin has been sworn in as the 28th chief justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina on Wednesday, September 3. Governor Pat McCrory honored Martin during the installation ceremony at the Supreme Court building in Raleigh.

"I thank Governor McCrory for the confidence he has shown in me and for trusting me to lead the Judicial Branch of government," said Chief Justice Martin.

In his brief remarks, Chief Justice Martin outlined a few key priorities as part of his Administration of Justice Plan. Priorities include

• Pursuing adequate and sustainable funding for North Carolina's co-equal and separate Judicial Branch of government
• Applying innovation to strengthen our courts
• Incorporating improved use of technology
• Promoting civics education
• Strengthening the rule of the law
• Promoting institutional transparency and accountability

Chief Justice Martin was appointed by Governor McCrory. His term became effective September 1, filling the term of former Chief Justice Sarah Parker, who retired from the position at the end of August. The election for chief justice will occur in November.