Comments on: “Why did New Yorkers decline — by a huge 61 to 39% margin — to end age discrimination against judges?”

By: Tex Judge

Tex Judge — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 23:33:41 +0000

In Texas we can get rid of judges who mess up or are no longer able to handle the burdens of the job because all judges are elected and have terms of 4 years (6 years for appellate judges). Contrast that to states like New York or Mass. where judges have, effectively, life tenure and there are only three ways to get rid of them: death, voluntary retirement or attaining the mandatory retirement age. Also, there are no term limits in those states. A mandatory retirement age of, say, 70 or 75 is reasonable and, if you don’t like it, then don’t accept a judgeship.

By: Michael J Katz MD

Michael J Katz MD — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 03:50:10 +0000

I hope that you are aware that this piece is hysterically funny. The expert that you quoted on judicial age discrimination is named Althouse. In German this means, “Old House”.

Best Regards,

Michael J. Katz MD

By: Old Judges, Bad Judges | Simple Justice

Old Judges, Bad Judges | Simple Justice — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 11:35:09 +0000

[…] Wally Olson at Overlawyered brought a post by Angry Blond lawprof Ann Althouse to the fore, which cast a disturbing light on […]

By: Go Away, Old Judges | Simple Justice

Go Away, Old Judges | Simple Justice — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 11:32:54 +0000

[…] Wally Olson at Overlawyered brought a post by Angry Blond lawprof Ann Althouse to the fore, which cast a disturbing light on […]

By: JOHN

JOHN — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 16:57:03 +0000

NY Judges “retire” at 70 and then are allowed to request up to 3 2-year “extensions” which are routinely granted. To “force” someone to retire at 76 seems pretty reasonable, especially given that there are still plenty of other ways a vital 76 year old person can contribute his/her talents to society.

By: Ron Miller

Ron Miller — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:29:48 +0000

Maryland I think takes a smart approach. You are required to resign at 70. But you can come right back as a visiting judge until you are 120.

It is a clear end run around the law but a practical one. It is easier to dump a visiting judge who is not up to snuff. But in 2013, there are a lot of very productive judges in their 80s and we want to tap into that knowledge and experience.