The salary for justices is under $300,000 a year. There is no promotion path, and it's intended to be a lifetime appointment. Corporate law firm partners routinely make well into 7 figures.That is an invitation to corruption, they are some of the most powerful people in the United States. This isn't meant to excuse unethical behavior or corruption, but it should be addressed at the same time as enforcement.
While I understand what you're saying, I disagree with the premise.
A Justice doesn't have to be a Justice. They could stay on a lower court, or in corporate law, or wherever they were prior to being elevated to the bench. They could also retire and take a corporate job, just as many members of Congress and the Executive do (which is likely a different flavor of corruption, but another discussion). Point being, there is no need for a Justice to be corrupt for financial reason - $300k is objectively a lot of money in 2023 and they can always quit and go elsewhere.
We don't make the same argument for the President or Congress. We expect them to happily take their reasonable but not lavish salary (and then go do a book tour or whatever afterwards).
> We don't make the same argument for the President or Congress
We allow them (congress) to trade stocks with knowledge from their privileged positions that no one else has. A lot of them walk out millionaires, before any book deals or speaking fees.
> A lot of them walk out millionaires, before any book deals or speaking fees.
With $174,000 base pay, decent benefits, and frequently leaving with several decades of service, it’s not that hard to leave with a $1 million+ net worth without corruption.
(And that’s even before considering how many members enter as millionaires.)
To be clear, I’m not saying that there isn’t abuse of privilege and corruption in Congress, but “a lot of them walk out as millionaires” is…well, what you’d expect without any corruption at all.
$174k...how much of that is left after taxes and paying for a second residence in one of the most expensive cities, Washington DC? $174k really isn't that much in 2023. They'd be lucky to clear $100k after taxes and housing and that's before including other living expenses.
> (And that’s even before considering how many members enter as millionaires.)
I wasn't including them as it seems obvious millionaire in/millionaire out, but could have been more clear.
Yes, but they do report those transactions. It's unsavory, no question, but mostly above-board. Thomas willingly hiding payments from a billionaire who had business before the court is a whole different level.
Judging from how little it takes for a pharma rep to entice a doctor to prescribe their product, there might not be an amount that can prevent the temptation of corruption. Getting something for free can still be enticing to the wealthy, especially if they think they're getting away with something. Probably pushes some buttons that aren't really related to wealth, at least not directly.
The amount is largely enough for a family of 5 with only one partner working, relative to where they live (DC in this case). I think $250K-$300 + Housing + Transport (I suppose for their safety?) is largely enough.
I don't think increasing pay would reduce corruption. A corrupt person is a corrupt person regardless. If you paid a corrupt justice a million dollars a year, why would they not decide to make it 5 million on the side?
This implies that law firm partners and other lavishly rich people are immune (or less likely to fall) to corruption, which is very obviously not true.
Justices have many avenues for non-controversial extra income, like speaking engagements, books, and teaching appointments. All of them take advantage of these, and all or nearly all of them are millionaires as a result. This generally receives little pushback as long as it is disclosed, and there is much less potential for corruption than secretly receiving "gifts" from political activists.
