an ongoing building renovation— the first since the building was completed in 1935—to update and repair antiquated systems and improve security. That renovation, now expected to be completed in 2010, has fallen behind schedule. That apparently is not unusual in Washington. But this project remains on budget despite those setbacks—a welcome departure from the Washington norm. As all these efforts illustrate, the Judiciary is committed to spending its tiny share of the federal budget responsibly and will continue to make sacrifices to contain the costs of administering justice. We have worked amicably with our appropriators in Congress to achieve these results. But the courts cannot preserve their vitality simply by following a non-fat regimen. The Judiciary must also continue to attract judges who are the best of the best. During these times, when the Nation faces pressing economic problems, resulting in business failures, home foreclosures, and bankruptcy, and when Congress is called upon to enact novel legislation to address those challenges, the courts are a source of strength. They guarantee that those who seek justice have access to a fair forum where all enter as equals and disputes are resolved impartially under the rule of law. The courts decide issues of momentous importance to the litigants and to a broader community of persons affected by the outcomes of precedent-setting decisions. The legal issues in today’s global, technologydriven economy are increasingly complex, and judges must respond with wisdom and skill acquired from study, reflection, and experience. If the Nation wants to preserve the quality of American justice, the government must attract and retain the finest legal minds, including accomplished lawyers who are
already in high demand, to join the bench as a lifelong calling. I suspect many are tired of hearing it, and I know I am tired of saying it, but I must make this plea again—Congress must provide judicial compensation that keeps pace with inflation. Judges knew what the pay was when they answered the call of public service. But they did not know that Congress would steadily erode that pay in real terms by repeatedly failing over
the years to provide even cost-ofliving increases. Last year, Congress fell just short of enacting legislation, reported out of both House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary, that would have restored cost-ofliving salary adjustments that judges have been denied in past years. One year later, Congress has still failed to complete action on that crucial remedial legislation, despite strong bipartisan support and an aggregate cost that is miniscule in relation to the national budget and the importance of the Judiciary’s role. To make a bad situation worse, Congress
failed, once again, to provide federal judges an annual cost-of-living increase this year, even though it provided one to every other federal employee, including every Member of Congress. Congress’s inaction this year vividly illustrates why judges’ salaries have declined in real terms over the past twenty years. Our Judiciary remains strong, even in the face of Congress’s inaction, because of the willingness of those in public service to make sacrifices for the greater good. The Judiciary is resilient and can weather the occasional neglect that is often the fate of those who quietly do their work. But the Judiciary’s needs cannot be postponed indefinitely without damaging its fabric. Given the Judiciary’s small cost, and its absolutely critical role in protecting the Constitution and rights we enjoy, I must renew the Judiciary’s modest petition: Simply provide cost-of-living increases that have been unfairly denied! We have done our part—it is long past time for Congress to do its. I am privileged and honored to be in a position to thank the judges and court staff throughout the land for their continued hard work and dedication. When our Nation’s flag is proudly raised above courthouse plazas across the country each morning, these men and women once again take up the responsibility of preserving the rule of law. They can claim common cause with others in civilian and military service who, like the patriots at Fort McHenry, are guardians of liberty.
Best wishes for the New Year. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.
3 The Third Branch
January 2009