Gov. Christie: Judge Feinberg’s Decision on Judges’ Benefits ‘is Self-Interested And Outrageous’
Fair Courts E-lert

Date of E-Lert – 10/24/11

Bibliographic Info:
Source: NJ.com
Date: October 19, 2011

Earlier this year New Jersey Superior Court Judge Paul M. DePascale filed a lawsuit against Governor Chris Christie’s new pension and health benefits plan for state employees.  According to Judge DePascale, requiring judges to contribute a larger share of their salary violates the state constitution, which forbids a reduction in pay for judges and justices.  Last week, Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg ruled in favor of Judge DePascale, opining that “[w]hile the recently enacted legislation may be a response to the present economic conditions, nonetheless it does not amend, nullify or otherwise negate the mandate of the New Jersey Constitution.”  In response, Governor Christie claimed that the decision was “self-interested and outrageous.”  The governor urged the Supreme Court to overturn Judge Feinberg’s ruling, but he also indicated he would, if necessary, pursue a constitutional amendment making it legal to require increased health and pension payments by judges.  While some observers questioned the ability of Judge Feinberg to be impartial in the matter, not everyone agrees with Governor Christie’s assessment.  According to a Bergen Record commentary, “t drives Governor Christie bonkers that he can't control the judiciary.” Accordingly the commentary concludes that Christie is attempting “to intimidate the next round of higher-level judges who will take up the Christie administration’s appeal.”