Legal News

Roberts: Federal Judges Need Pay Raises
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Carol Channing (left), John RobertsDespite calls throughout the nation for state and federal employees to take pay cuts or involuntary furloughs to save tax dollars in the economic meltdown, US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. is demanding that Congress pass pay raises for federal jurists as soon as possible.

In his year-end report on the state of the federal judiciary, Chief Justice Roberts praised the courts as frugal, dedicated and crucial to the life and economic recovery of the nation. But to keep the courts strong, Roberts said, Congress needs to pass pay raises, or at least cost-of-living increases, for federal judges.

“Given the judiciary’s small cost, and its absolutely critical role in protecting the Constitution and rights we enjoy, I must renew the judiciary’s modest petition: Simply provide cost-of-living increases that have been unfairly denied!” Roberts wrote in his report. “We have done our part — it is long past time for Congress to do its.”

  
What
Where


In 2007 the judiciary committees of both the House and the Senate endorsed substantial pay increases, but the bills languished as the financial state of the nation worsened.

Roberts says judges are the only federal employees to begin 2009 without a cost of living increase.

District court judges are currently paid $169,300 — the same as members of Congress — while circuit judges are paid $179,500, associate Supreme Court justices $208,100, and the chief justice $217,400.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




Roberts emphasized that the judiciary is a bargain for taxpayers whose benefits to society far outweigh its costs.

Noting that the budget of the judicial branch in 2008 totaled $6.2 billion, Roberts said, “That represents a mere two-tenths of 1% of the United States’ total budget. Two-tenths of 1%! That is all we ask for one of the three branches of government — the one charged to guard the Constitution and the rights of individuals.”



Roberts devoted several pages of his report to the cost-cutting measures the courts have undertaken to limit rent, personnel and information technology costs. Taken together, these measures should save up to $300 million through 2017, Roberts reported.

Via Legal Times.



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Associate Attorney

USA-PA-Exton

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY McKenna Snyder LLC, a law firm in Exton, PA has an immediate opening for an ex...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Sturgis

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Coldwater

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Insurance Defense Trial Attorney/ Senior Counsel

USA-CA-San Francisco

Job description Trial Attorney - Personal Injury Defense Full Job Description Hickey Smith ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top