IN THE PROFESSION completed . We did it , and I am very proud of how it turned out . We eliminated archaic terms and legal jargon to simplify the rules and make them easier to read – without , and that was the fundamental rule , making any substantive changes .
What do you think will be your next big “ mission ”?
PHOTO SOURCE : PIXABAY
Most importantly , we will have to decide “ What is the new normal after COVID-19 ?” In other words , we need to figure out when and how we can safely resume regular court operations without many of the current restrictions in place .
A profile written by some of your former law clerks mentions your passion for playing tennis . What , if anything , can we learn from sports ?
Playing sports teaches humility , which is very important given the enormous power of a federal district judge . The performance on the tennis court is not affected by the fact that you are a judge . You win some matches and lose others . Like everyone else , you have good days and bad days . The same rules apply to everyone . Both on the tennis court and in the courtroom , I expect - and mostly get - fairness , courtesy , and high-quality performance .
What is senior status ? The senior status option for federal district and appellate court judges was created by Congress in 1919 and extended to U . S . Supreme Court justices in 1937 . According to the Federal Judicial Center , 10 district court judges and two Courts of Appeals judges took senior status in 2020 . While many judges on the federal and state level decide to retire at age 70 , there is no law requiring them to do so .
Federal Court - Senior Judges 1 . Federal judges who are 65 years and older and have served 15 years on the bench may , with full pay , retire or take senior status ( 28 U . S . C . § 371 ( c )). 2 . The “ Rule of 80 ” established in 1984 , a “ sliding scale ” of increasing age and decreasing service , creates eligibility at age 70 with a minimum of 10 years of service , 69 years with 11 years of service , and so on . 3 . Federal senior judges usually handle a reduced caseload , either in a part-time or full-time capacity , without additional compensation
Georgia State Courts – Senior Judges 1 . Georgia judges are eligible to assume senior status after a minimum of ten years of service ( O . C . G . A . § 15-1-9.2 and § 15-1-9.3 ). 2 . However , judges of the state , probate , and juvenile courts who qualify to be senior judges need to apply and be appointed as such by the Governor . 3 . Georgia judges in senior status may be called upon for assistance as needed and they may receive compensation outside their general retirement or pension benefits ( O . C . G . A . § 47-23-110 ).
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