Posted on 01/01/2007 7:26:14 AM PST by indcons
Those are former judges turned celebs. They mediate disputes on TV shows. See what characters the "big bucks" attract?
In a free market when a person sucks at their job .. they can be fired
Federal Judges are appointed .. not hired
I would wager that their yearly income before taxes is three times the amount given out for public consumption.
Leni
In other words: "We act on behalf of the upper class, why shouldn't we be compensated accordingly?"
And you are right, market conditions ARE applying which is why so many are leaving. They have families to raise.
Ever heard of "IMPEACHMENT"? (Yes, they can be fired.)")
There are other intangibles (foundation/board memberships, speaking honoria, and the like) with these positions (at least the highest ones) that don't carry a fixed/declared monetary value.
However, you make a valid point.
A pay raise for federal judges does not resonate with most U.S. citizens. After all, they get paid for life, even after retiring and off the bench--full pay. They have life time appointments and don't spend a dime on getting reelected. They set their own work hours, case load and get vacation and sick leave as they wish it. They can't be kicked out of the job for most of the reasons mere mortals can.
"Why would you ever know if a person refused the offer of an appointment? Are you the gatekeeper?"
No, I'm not the gatekeeper. I just thought that when the "short list" for a seat on the bench is reported in the media, if it was a problem of some turning down the offer because of pay we would hear about it.
If its a problem they keep it a secret?
"After all, they get paid for life, even after retiring and off the bench--full pay."
I did not know THAT. Thanks for the info.
"Is that really your argument?"
It that really your answer to my question?
You claimed judges compete in the free market and I want to know with whom. All I'm doing is asking you to back up that assertion with a fact or two.
This will only work for me if the money comes from the budget of the 9th Circus Court of Appeals...
Au Contraire...I rest my case:
Judges have a much easier job than lawyers in the dreaded private sector. Judges get fantastic state and Federal pensions. Many judges are lawyers who just can't hack it in the private sector so they make the payoffs bribes ass-kissing to secure a judgeship
Say a lawyer busts his butt for 20 years. Getting a judge appointment is like semi-retirement and with a great pension awaiting you in your golden years
Some folks clean their own homes, drive cars long after paying them off, shop in bulk at Costco, shop the sales at department stores, cook their own meals in their own kitchen, etc, etc.....
Judges just need to learn how to live on what they make.
Outsource the court to India.
Which also means that senior Congressmen and Senators have the income of a household of low to mid-level bureaucrats. Horrors.
That's also one income exceeding that of two low to mid-level government bureaucrat supervisiors. Don't you think that judge's spouses are allowed to work?
Pretty much says it all. Most Supreme Court Justices have had years of private practice and/or law school professorships behind them before they even get into the judging game. There are some exceptions, who have made government service their careers, like Justice Thomas, but these too know the salary when they accept the nominations. Anyone who thinks becoming a federal judge is the road to riches, I don't want anywhere near a bench.
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