No pay raises for Mississippi judges

February 24, 2011

Jackson, Mississippi: A bill [Senate Bill 2253] which would increase judicial pay throughout the state was stopped by the Mississippi House of Representatives on February 24, 2011. The vote was close (59-58) but, since it would raise fees, it needed a three-fifths majority to pass. The plan called for increases in certain court fees in order to escalate judicial pay over a period of four years, beginning in July of 2012.

Those in favor of the changes explained that Mississippi judges are among the lowest-paid judges in the nation and that the pay raises would keep these intelligent public servants from seeking more profitable employment in the private practice of law. "These people are salt-of-the earth people who have dedicated their lives to serve the people of Mississippi," explained Rep. Bo Eaton (D-Taylorsville).

Opponents to the bill pointed to current limitations in the state's budget. Rep. Ted Mayhall (R-Southaven) stated, "I admire the legal system for their intestinal fortitude to come down here and ask for this at this time...We don't have the money."

The bill had previously passed the Senate, but the House modified it before voting. By July 1, 2015, it would have increased the annual salaries of Mississippi Supreme Court justices by the following amounts: from $112,530 (current salary) to $152,250 for associate justices; from $113,190 to $154,833 for presiding justices; and from $115,390 to $159,000 for the chief justice. It would have also increased the salaries of appellate court, circuit court and chancery court judges, district attorneys and assistant district attorneys.