Investing in Justice Preserves the Rule of Law and Protects the Independence of the Court

In an article published in the January/February issue of CT Lawyer Magazine, “Investing in Justice Preserves the Rule of Law and Protects the Independence of the Court,” Pullman & Comley Litigation attorney Tim Shearin, President of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA), discusses the importance of ensuring fair compensation for Connecticut judges as a means of preserving judicial independence and upholding the rule of law.

Tim highlights that Connecticut judges currently rank 37th in national judicial compensation, with a proposed increase aimed at bringing them closer to the median. He argues that failing to provide competitive salaries could deter qualified attorneys from pursuing judgeships and lead to judicial vacancies, weakening the legal system’s ability to serve the public. "Funding to provide adequate compensation to judges should be viewed as a small, but sound investment in our legal system," he states.

Beyond financial considerations, Tim warns that underpaying judges threatens the judiciary’s ability to function as an independent branch of government. "We cannot attract future nominees and lose the most experienced of our judges because we do not pay them a fair wage," he cautions, emphasizing that without proper support, the judiciary may struggle to maintain its role in upholding justice and the rule of law.

Tim ultimately urges policymakers to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in the judiciary. He reminds readers that judges perform a critical service to society, noting that "We often view judges as performing a 'public service' or refer to them as 'public servants.' Too often, however, we neglect to appreciate what that service is and what role they play as servants."

To read the full article, please visit the CBA website.