28 U.S.C. § 3 : US Code - Section 3: Vacancy in office of Chief Justice; disability

Search 28 U.S.C. § 3 : US Code - Section 3: Vacancy in office of Chief Justice; disability

Whenever the Chief Justice is unable to perform the duties of his
office or the office is vacant, his powers and duties shall devolve
upon the associate justice next in precedence who is able to act,
until such disability is removed or another Chief Justice is
appointed and duly qualified.