LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas' highest court has upheld a state law that eliminates retirement benefits for judges who are elected at age 70 or older.
In a 5-2 ruling, the state Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court's ruling last year that the restrictions requiring judges to give up their benefits if they are elected past the age of 70 don't violate the state's constitution. Judges who turn 70 while they are in office can finish their term without losing their benefits.
Four judges had sued the state over the law, arguing the restriction is a penalty that adds an indirect requirement to the qualifications to be a circuit judge. The court disagreed and said the law doesn't prevent judges from holding office past the age of 70.
Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.