Virginia Democrats debate lowering retirement age for Supreme Court justices
Democratic lawmakers in Virginia recently discussed lowering the mandatory retirement age for state Supreme Court justices. The proposal would have reduced the age from 73 to 54, sparking significant debate. Republicans quickly labelled the idea as an attempt at court-packing. The retirement age for Virginia Supreme Court justices was previously raised from 70 to 73 in 2015. Justices are appointed by the General Assembly, and all seven current members are older than 54. The proposal to lower the age gained attention, with discussions reaching as far as U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell later distanced himself from the idea. The debate followed a 4-3 ruling by the Virginia Supreme Court to invalidate an amendment to the state’s congressional redistricting. Voters had approved a new congressional district map in a referendum on 21 April. The proposal failed to gain traction after criticism from Republicans. The current retirement age of 73 remains in place. All sitting justices would have been affected if the change had been implemented.
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