Bainbridge Municipal Judge Wins Lawsuit to Keep Pay, Hours
Fair Courts E-lert
Bibliographic Info:
Author: Tristan Baurick
Source: Kitsap Sun
Date: October 24, 2011
Last Friday, Washington Superior Court Judge Palmer Robinson ruled that the state Constitution prohibits Washington State from applying to judges a state law that requires public workers to pay more for their health benefits and pensions. Accordingly, Judge Palmer Robinson ruled that the City of Bainbridge could not legally cut Municipal Court Judge Kate Carruthers’ salary for budget reasons. Two weeks ago, a New Jersey Superior Court issued a similar ruling, holding that the New Jersey Constitution prevents increases in the cost of pensions and health care benefits for judges and justices. Last week, the Newark Star-Ledger reported that in addition to seeking a constitutional amendment to overturn the court decision, Governor Chris Christie is using ruling to galvanize the Republican base in advance of the 2011 elections.
See also: Matt Friedman, Gov. Chris Christie: Elitist Judges Must be Stopped, Newark Star-Ledger, October 26, 2011.