A CAPITOL BLOG: Brownsville Herald: In December, Lawmakers to See Increase in Their Pensions
First thing that comes to mind is that, of course Judges will bring overwhelming evidence for a pay raise. First, all judges are attorneys. Because they are attorneys, all judges are above average with the English language and logic. Being attorneys, they are trained to make an argument on their own or a client's behalf. It would not be so difficult for a judge to find evidence that points towards getting a pay raise. I would be skeptical of a judge arguing for a pay raise. Second, a judge, if he's any good as an attorney, will continue in private practice. If he chooses to be a judge, it is for love of the law and the prestige of being a judge. In addition, as shown by the new Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, if you love the law, you will be a great lawyer and a great judge. The pay increase comes by being good at what you do. If you stand out and do a great job, you will be noticed and appointed to higher offices. As a great attorney, as John Roberts is, your prospects in private practice will far outperform your pay as a judge. This guy made a lot more money as an attorney than he will make as a Supreme Court Justice. Going back to Texas judges, they should get raises, sure. Everybody deserves a cost of living adjustment. I think that such action should be expected. However, judges should not expect pay raises to the level where the pay will "attract or retain" judges. Get over it. They either like being judges or they like money. They ought to be mutually exclusive. From the point of view of a poor Mexican making $12K a year, I don't see why they are bitching about their meager $100k per year.
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