.:: Federal Judges Assocation ::.

The Federal Judges Association (FJA) is a voluntary association of Article III judges devoted to protecting the independence of the judicial branch, a fundamental principle embodied in the Constitution of the United States. Article III judges' independence is assured under the Constitution by their appointment for life without diminution in pay. Article III judges, nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, are thus protected from intimidation, undue influence, coercion, or domination so that they may judge fairly and independently in every case, as the law and facts require.

Inevitably from time to time the protection of individual rights requires unpopular decisions that invoke adverse reaction from the public, its legislative representatives, or the executive branch. The FJA, standing independent of all others, with one goal in mind-the independence of the judiciary that protects the freedom of us all-can speak in one voice to protect that independence, to explain its importance to a free society, and to explain the necessity of such decisions.

To further independence, the Association promotes adequate salaries and support for the performance of judicial functions, thereby attracting qualified men and women to the bench. It expresses the collective view of Article III judges to the public and the other branches of government whenever defense of judicial independence is threatened or separation of powers is compromised.

The current salary of the federal judiciary is not adequate. Bills have been introduced in the Senate and the House to deal with this issue.