PA. Supreme Ct. Expedites Case to Overturn Retirement Age for Judges After Chief Justice Turns 70

[JPZenger]

http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-08/opinion/mc-mandatory-retirement-judges-morganelli-yv-0409-20130408_1_pennsylvania-supreme-court-state-constitution-restriction

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/pennsylvanias-top-court-to-rule-on-judges-retirement-682676/

Can anyone find the connection?

Our illustrious PA. Supreme Ct. is expediting the hearing of a case to decide whether the 70 year old mandatory retirement age for judges should be overturned. The Supreme Court is taking jurisdiction away from the lower courts. Normally, it takes forever for a case to reach the State Supreme Court, and they hear very few cases. This is happening at the same time that Chief Justice Ron Castille is turning 70, and he wants another 10 year term.

So 4 of the 8 Supreme Court justices would otherwise be required to retire within the next 5 years.

The op ed also questions whether Castille asked the lower court judges to file this case.

After judges reach age 70, they can still be called upon to assist with particular cases, but they no longer receive a full time salary.

I personally feel we need to flush out the Supreme Court and bring in some fresh perspectives.

This age limitation is not an ordinary law, but is part of the PA. Constitution that was approved by the voters. The provision was previously upheld by the State Supreme Court in 1989, when the members were much younger.