Final answer:
Federal judges' lifetime appointments ensure judicial independence, and retirement benefits evolved to provide financial security post-service. Retirement age and benefits are altered with caution to maintain public trust in the judicial system.
Step-by-step explanation:
History of Judges' Retirement Benefits
The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of the United States legal system, entrenched in how federal judges are selected and their tenure. Pursuant to Article III, federal judges are appointed for life unless impeached, ensuring their decisions are insulated from political pressures. The concept of judicial retirement benefits dovetails with the tenure system, providing judges with financial security upon retirement. While retirement benefits now are seen as standard, this was not always the case, and they evolved alongside other social benefits, like Social Security.
Initially, retirement benefits for judges weren't entrenched in law. Over time, to maintain the quality and independence of the judiciary, and recognize the intense work and lifetime dedication judges give to the legal system, retirement benefits became statutory. Notably, the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, also known as the "court-packing scheme," indirectly highlighted the need for systems to handle judges in their advanced age, whether through retirement or additional judicial support.
Changes to retirement age and benefits have generally been approached with caution, reflecting the public's regard for fairness and stability in the judicial system. For example, changes to the Social Security system that affected full retirement age were implemented gradually, to minimize disruptions and preserve trust in the system.