The Nation - News from Jan. 30, 1989

A complex retirement system that allows federal judges to reduce their caseloads sharply while still qualifying for active-duty pay increases means a number of them will get substantial raises--up to 50% if Congress approves a raise package--although they no longer handle court cases, the Associated Press reported. Former Chief Justice Warren E. Burger’s salary, for example, would increase by $60,000 to $175,000 a year. In stepping down from full-time duty, jurists accept a title of “senior judge,” a status that is a vastly more popular option than retirement. Most senior judges handle some cases, and experts believe the federal court system might be hopelessly clogged without their part-time contributions.