NCJ Number
85198
Journal
American Bar Association Journal Volume: 68 Dated: (October 1982) Pages: 1236-1240
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Federal judges are resigning from the bench and returning to private practice because of low pay, poor working conditions, and restrictions on their personal activities.
Abstract
The single, most important impediment to a high caliber, independent Federal judiciary is the lack of pay increases to keep up with inflation. Although the current $74,300 salary for circuit and $70,300 for district judges may seem fair, most judges live in metropolitan areas where the cost of living is high. Most judges take substantial salary cuts to accept the positions. Another problem with judicial compensation is the inadequacy of survivor benefits for spouses. Working conditions are inadequate and sometimes, inappropriate. Finally, Federal judges are restricted in their financial investments and civic leadership roles. Congress should consider the following measures to help judges and encourage continued service of qualified individuals: judges' pay and other benefits should be increased, judges should be allowed to invest in publicly held companies, and security for judges should be increased. The Judicial Conference should consider amending the Code of Judicial Conduct to allow full participation in the community to the extent that it does not interfere with judicial duties.