NCJ Number
58197
Date Published
1979
Length
52 pages
Annotation
COMPENSATION COMMISSIONS, ESTABLISHED TO EITHER REPLACE OR WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATUTORY OR CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS OF EACH STATE FOR DETERMINING COMPENSATION OF THE STATE JUDICIARY, ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE MAJOR FUNCTION OF COMPENSATION COMMISSIONS IN THE 28 STATES WHERE THEY EXIST IS TO ASSESS THE ADEQUACY OF RATES OF PAY FOR SPECIFIED MEMBERS OF ONE OR MORE BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT; 20 COMMISSIONS REVIEW AND RECOMMEND SALARIES FOR ALL LEVELS OF THE JUDICIARY. THREE ELEMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THIS POLICYMAKING PROCESS: (1) AN OBJECTIVE REVIEW OF SALARIES, (2) CONCRETE AND COMPLETE DATA TO SUBSTANTIATE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND (3) A WORKABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LEGISLATURE. THE COMPENSATION COMMISSION PROCESS PROVIDES MECHANISMS FOR ACHIEVING EACH OF THESE THREE ELEMENTS, BUT SOME OF THESE MECHANISMS CAN BE APPLIED TO THE POLICYMAKING PROCESS WITHOUT A COMPENSATION COMMISSION. COMMISSIONS ARE COMPOSED ENTIRELY OF NONJUDGES (USUALLY NONPUBLIC OFFICIALS); DEVELOP A STRONG FACTUAL BASE FOR PROPOSED SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, OFTEN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS; AND ARE ATTENTIVE TO TIMING AND TECHNIQUE IN SUBMITTING PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATURE. THESE CHARACTERISTICS ENSURE THE FAIRNESS AND OBJECTIVITY OF COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS. FOOTNOTES AND A LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING COMPENSATION COMMISSIONS DEALING WITH JUDICIAL SALARIES ARE PRESENTED. (DAG)