Opinion
Justice Marshall's Incompetence Hurting Income of All Judges
by MassNews Staff
         Margaret Marshall took it upon herself Wednesday to write to the Globe making a case for a 15% raise for herself and other judges. (Earlier in the year, she wanted a 30% raise). Likewise in her “State-of-the-Court” address last month, she devoted part of it to a pay raise theme, when she was supposed to be addressing court reform. The raise she is looking for would bring her pay to over $150,000/year.
          Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey called it “reckless spending” on Tuesday. On this point, one must disagree with Lt. Gov. Healey. A salary of $150,000 is not too much to pay our Chief Justice, if she is interpreting the constitution (rather than re-writing it).
         As a matter of fact, $150,000 would be far too little for such a judge despite what Healey says. However, for a judge who refuses to recuse herself when an issue where she has shown extreme bias comes before her, or who usurps the legislature's role, then any money, even a dollar a year, is too much.
         The key to a viable solution is to begin by raising the salaries of judges even greater than they are reqesting. Offer them a 100% raise, but add this caveat: Every year they need to undergo a review by a bipartisan commission for renewal of their jobs and face a re-election process every 4 years (as is done with judges in most other states, except for Massachusetts). Put them in a position where incompetence or poor judgment may cost them their jobs, just like it is with all of us, including the judiciary of almost all other states. If that were the choice, we would see a much higher quality of judges than we have now and businesses would not be afraid to come to Massachusetts as they are now.