In 1998, the state of California took over funding of all state trial court operations, including responsibility for payment of salaries and benefits to trial court judges. Los Angeles County, which is home to one of the largest trial court systems in the United States, continues to pay "local judicial benefits" to its judges to supplement the compensation and benefits they received from the state. This "double dipping" by trial court judges costs Los Angeles County taxpayers an estimated $20 million per year. In the spring of 2006, Judicial Watch filed a "citizen-taxpayer" lawsuit against the county seeking to have these payments declared unlawful and to enjoin future payments.

UPDATE: On October 10, 2008, the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District Division One, reversed the ruling of the trial court. See below.

While Judicial Watch firmly believes that all judges should be adequately and fairly compensated for their very important work, such compensation must be paid in strict accordance with the law. The case demonstrates Judicial Watch’s continuing efforts to promote integrity in the judicial system and commitment to the rule of law.

COURT DOCUMENTS

• Original Complaint
• Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment
• Declaration in Support of Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment
• Appendix of Authorities in Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment
• Response to Material Facts
• Request for Notice
• Notice of Appeal (February 7, 2007)
• Appellant's Opening Brief
• Appellant's Reply Brief (October 4, 2007)
• Appellate Court Ruling (October 10, 2008)
• Answer to Petition for Review (December 10, 2008)

PRESS RELEASES

• California Court of Appeal Rules that Extra Compensation for Los Angeles County Judges Violates California Constitution (October 15, 2008)
• Judicial Watch Files Lawsuit Against Los Angeles County for Allowing Judges to "Double-Dip" on Benefits, Perks (Apr 24, 2006)