Appointed by Governor: Charles R. Jenkins, Sr., 1996; Elizabeth J. Buck, 1998; Alice G. Pinderhughes, Esq., 1998; Elizabeth S. Morrison, 2000; J. Michael Conroy, Jr., Esq., 2001; John Paterakis, 2001.
Staff: Benjamin J. Birge
c/o Department of Legislative Services
90 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3761
Formed in 1980, the Judicial Compensation Commission considers judicial compensation to ensure that highly qualified persons are attracted to the bench and judges may serve without economic hardship (Chapter 717, Acts of 1980). Every two years, the Commission reviews judicial salaries and pensions. At least every four years, it must submit its recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly.
The Commission's salary recommendations are introduced as a joint resolution in each house of the General Assembly by the fifteenth day of the session. While the General Assembly may not increase recommended salaries, it may decrease them. If it fails to adopt or amend the joint resolution within fifty days after its introduction, the salaries recommended by the Commission do apply. Commission recommendations concerning pensions are introduced in the form of legislation by the Senate President and the House Speaker and become effective only if passed by both houses.
The Governor appoints the Commission's seven members to six-year terms. Two are nominated by the Senate President, two by the House Speaker, and one by the Maryland State Bar Association. Members serve without compensation (Code Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, sec. 1-708).
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