Chief Justice John Roberts recently issued a report to Congress in which he claimed that the salary for federal judges is woefully inadequate. Roberts even went so far as to tell Congress that the issue of low pay “has now reached the level of a constitutional crisis.” He made this claim despite the fact that U.S. District Court judges currently make $165,200 annually.

In his letter to Congress Roberts said: “Inadequate compensation directly threatens the viability of life tenure, and if tenure in office is made uncertain, the strength and independence judges need to uphold the rule of law--even when it is unpopular to do so--will be seriously eroded.” Roberts went on to complain that failing to raise judges’ salaries is “grievously unfair.”

Chief Justice Roberts complains about “inadequate” pay for federal judges though their salaries are much higher than those of other government employees. When you consider the fact that half of working Americans make less than $30,000 a year and that the minimum wage ($5.15 hr) has not been raised in ten years, Robert’s complaints become truly laughable.

Federal judges receive the following annual salaries from the first day on the job:
-U.S. District Court judges - $165,200
-U.S. Appeals Court judges - $175,100
-U.S. Supreme Court Associate justices - $203,000
-U.S. Supreme Court Chief justice (Robert’s position) - $212,100

In contrast, the following public servants make much lower annual starting salaries:
-police officer - $36,150
-firefighter - $35,000
-elementary school teacher - $32,000
-paramedic - $33,000
-social worker - $30,000
-U.S. Army private (E-2) - $16,229

The American taxpayers provide an annual salary of $212,100 to Chief Justice Roberts for eight months of work (the Supreme Court session runs from October-June). A typical in-session day begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00p.m. (with a one-hour lunch break). While in D.C., if requested, all Supreme Court justices are provided with personal bodyguards from the U.S. Supreme Court Police Department, when justices travel they are provided with a U.S. Marshal. Justices also enjoy subsidized meals at the cafeteria located inside the Supreme Court building, as well as an on-site gym.

Most Americans would count themselves extremely fortunate to receive a lifetime appointment to such privilege. However, when you consider Robert’s background, it becomes clear as to why he may now feel somewhat deprived.

Prior to joining the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2003, Roberts was a partner with the law firm of Hogan & Hartson. He reported an annual income of $1,044,399. Roberts also owns a home in upscale Montgomery County, MD, which is valued at $891,000.

Roberts (who Bush tell us is a conservative) has three very liberal friends in the U.S. Senate. Last year, Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA), John Kerry (D-MA), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced a bill which would have raised the salary of federal judges by 16 percent. The bill received very little support and went nowhere. However, Sen. Leahy recently promised Chief Justice Roberts that he would lend his support to the legislation again this year.

If Chief Justice Roberts or any federal judge is unhappy with their salary or decides that their pay will not support their lavish lifestyle, they always have the option to resign. However, precious few ever make that move. The power that they wield usually seems enough counter any salary complaints.

The average U.S. police officer and firefighter will never make more than about $50,000 a year (no matter many years they serve). These folks put their lives on the line 12 months out of the year (not eight!) and seem to understand the meaning of public service, despite their lack of post-graduate work...So why can’t a man as well educated as Chief Justice John Roberts understand the meaning of public service?

I would like to remind Mr. Roberts that the career path of a civil servant is not designed to make one rich. Furthermore, as most Americans are struggling with out-of-control education, healthcare, housing, and fuel costs while making a median salary of $ 42,000, it is rather disgusting that anyone would describe a six-figure salary as “unfair.”

Considering Robert’s comments on his bloated salary, it is little wonder why the judiciary branch of the federal government has become a council of dictators, constantly voiding the authority of legally elected legislative bodies. The federal judiciary is not only out-of-touch with the American people, but also a great example of the old axiom..."absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Please contact your Senator today and demand that the salaries of federal judges remain the same!