Judges court pay increases

DOVER - Delaware judges, already among the best-paid state employees, appeared en masse to ask for more money in front of the Delaware Compensation Commission.

The five-member commission, appointed by the governor and legislature, meets every four years to recommend salary adjustments for elected

Unless rejected by the General Assembly, the commission's recommendations go into effect Feb. 1.

The jurists based much of their Dec. 9 request on a comprehensive report by the Delaware State Bar Association that touts the value of Delaware courts nationally and across the world, especially as they impact corporate law and disputes involving some of the world's best-known business enterprises.

"The judiciary in Delaware plays a unique role as a national and international entity," the report's executive summary says.

"In the commercial world, major corporadons rely on the quality, consistency and speed with which the Delaware Supreme Court, Court of Chancery and Superior Court render decisions that affect corporate governance, stockholders rights and the business market-place in the United States and the world."