Draft:H. Vern Payne

H. Vern Payne (born 1936) was a justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court from January 1, 1977 until his retirement on December 1, 1983, serving as chief justice for the last several months of his tenure.

Payne was the son of Harry Vearle Payne, who became a federal district court judge.

B.A. from Georgetown University.

When Payne became chief justice, he was sworn in by his father.