Salary and the Judiciary.
CNN is running an articled titled Low pay threatens judiciary, Roberts warns. The whole gist of article is that John Roberts, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, says that the low salaries given to federal judges will allow only the rich to serve. Sounds like a valid argument until you read the what these judges get paid:
- Federal district court judges - $165,200
- Appeals court judges - $175,100
- Associate justices of the Supreme Court - $203,000
- Chief justice of the Supreme Court - $212,100
I understand that people in the private sector make gobs more but is a yearly salary of over $100,000 USD something to complain about? According to GlobalRichList.com making $165,200 a year puts you in the top .23% of the richest people in the world! If you are a married Federal district court judge making $165,200.00 a year and you jointly file your taxes you would pay $64,564.80* in federal income tax and net $100,635.20. This still puts you in top .64% of the richest people in the world!
I would love to understand why Roberts is quoted as saying that this problem “has now reached the level of a constitutional crisis.” Protecting and shaping this country’s legal system should be a privilege that is valued more than wages.
Roberts is also quoted as saying “Inadequate compensation directly threatens the viability of life tenure, and if tenure in office is made uncertain, the strength and independence judges need to uphold the rule of law — even when it is unpopular to do so — will be seriously eroded.” I think the more serious threat is the greed that shown by these judges. As I’ve proven previously their salaries are great. I realize DC is expensive but a net pay of $100,635.20 will most certainly provide for a comfortable life.
What are your feelings on the matter? Feel free to post a comment.
*Federal income tax is based on the 2006 Federal Tax Schedule.