Legal News

CA judges not giving up perks

By Richard Binder

In the wake of worker furloughs and slashed programs to close a $41 billion budget gap, the state of California still has more than 400 judges in Los Angeles County who each make more than the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Los Angeles County judges get $46,000 a year from the county on top of their state salaries, giving them a total of $225,000. U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts makes $217,400 per year, and associate justices bring in $208,100.

Eighteen of California's 58 counties give more than 800 superior court judges about $25 million a year in extra benefits on top of their $179,000 state salaries, even as they lay off employees and reduce services amid the recession. The state picks up the tab for extras in 19 counties.

Defenders of the system say the supplemental benefits are necessary to attract and retain good lawyers, who often take a pay cut to serve in the judiciary.

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Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on March 31, 2009 (boomark / email).