Summary
Removes the requirement that judges retire at age 75.
Biblical Reasoning
The Bible has many texts commending the aged and encouraging respect for them, and attentiveness to them. Job 12:12 tells us “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Of course, not all the aged are wise, and some are physically and mentally diminished. But this is no reason to force those without such shortcomings from judicial office.
Election Results
Voters rejected the elimination of the mandatory judicial retirement age (63% No).
Full PEAPAC Analysis
PEAPAC Explanation: Oregon law currently requires that judges retire when they turn 75. This referral from the Oregon Legislature would remove that requirement. We support its passage.
The Bible has many texts commending the aged and encouraging respect for them, and attentiveness to them. Job 12:12 tells us “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Of course, not all the aged are wise, and some are physically and mentally diminished. But this is no reason to force those without such shortcomings from judicial office. We are very pleased to see a ballot measure acknowledging the value of old age.
Judge Learned Hand is widely recognized as America’s best judge who never sat on the Supreme Court. At the age of 86, he lectured at Harvard Law School. He died at age 89, and judged 28 cases in the year of his death!
Dennis Tuuri 
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