In 2008, the Constitution of Bhutan codified the substantive and procedural framework of the Royal Court of Justice. Article 21 of the Constitution establishes a system of royal appointments for the High Court and Supreme Court, and sets forth the role of each level of administration.[2]
The Chief Justice, an appointee of the King, sits for a five-year term and chairs the National Judicial Commission, a royal agency.[2] (Art. 21, §§ 4, 6, 17) The Chief Justice is to participate in several extrajudicial functions, including the Regency Council; presiding over joint sessions of the Parliament of Bhutan for abdication procedures; and presiding over political impeachment proceedings.[2] (Art. 2, §§ 8, 23; Art. 32, § 3)
All Constitutionally appointed judges other than the Chief Justice serve ten-year terms.[2] (Art. 21, §§ 6, 13) There is, however, a mandatory retirement at age 65 for all Judges of the Supreme Court.[2] (Art. 21, § 6) The Chief Justice and the Drangpons of the High Court serve ten-year terms, or until mandatory retirement at age 60.[2] (Art. 21, § 13) No Constitutionally appointed judge may be re-appointed.[2] (Art. 31, § 4)