BOSTON – Gov. Deval Patrick has sworn in the first black chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Roderick Ireland replaces Margaret Marshall.

As chief, Ireland will oversee the state's sprawling court system, which has been plagued by high caseloads, budget challenges and allegations of political favoritism.

Gov. Patrick, the state's first black chief executive, says he is proud to have been able to name the first black chief justice.

Ireland, a Springfield native, says he'll seek more transparency for the courts while promising to do the best he can with current financial resources.