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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 6, 1975)
O o o o o o o o o 11- .,-,iT1B-r"- and you slip that all important diamond solitaire on "5 her third finger left hand, be sure it is the best. You can trust our diamond experts to assure you of 1 fine quality, color and cutting proportions. Be sure to see us for the finest in your price range. amanns KieitTtftfP JCWdCRI AMCNICAM ( tOCICTT Lincoln Grand Island Mc GEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW UISIVI3USITY OF THE PACIFIC y SACRAMENTO CAMPUS April 15, 1975 is application deadline for first year students seeking juris doctor degree in 3-year Day or 4-year Evening program beginning in September 1975. PRE-LAW DISCUSSION FOR PROSPECTIVE LAW STUDENTS DATE: Feb. 12 TIME: 9-11 a.m. place: Dr. Robert Miewald Old Father Hall FOR APPOINTMENT OR FURTHER INFORMATION Room 511 oooooooo o Saturday, February 8, is the last day o - for fu refunds on all books not O needed that were purchased from us this semester. Please bring the cash register receipt and drop slin ooooooooooo2.24S H stoeett 8 O O o o 0 o fcw w h a s i PLiEOE BFIIIjG THE iz i- p i A n isno qi m m m tin MKm Urn? U gtF Open 8-5, Monday-Saturday V 'I 1 .....n,.. 1135 R 432-0111 Chief Justice White: 'salaries inadequate' Chief Justice Warren E. Buiger said in a year-end statement that most federal judges are underpaid and the problem is reflected to a lesser degree on the local level. Nebraska Chief Justice Paul White said there is a vacancy for one Nebraska judgeship "probably because of the salary." "Lawyers are reluctant to leave their practice when a judge's pay is substantially less," White said. Most Nebraska judges recently received pay increases approved by the Legislature, he said. "We were at the bottom of the totem pole 10 years ago," he said, "but now we are about average in the United States." Survey According to the quarterly survey of judicial salaries, Lincoln municipal judges now receive $29,000; county judges, $20,000-527,500; state district, 532,500, and Supreme Court judges, 535,000. Despite the increases. White said, we still don't feel the salaries are at a level to attract all competent men." To get lawyers with experience and ability, White said, the judicial branch should offer salaries which can compete with the private practice profits. James Dunlevey, Nebraska Court Administrator, agreed judges are not paid enough to compete with lawyers in private practice, but added that it was the "reality of public life." "You can't pay a judge more than a successful football coach," he said. No approval Higher wages could provide more outstanding lawyers, Dunlevey daid, but the public will not approve raises. Consequently, most attorneys with 15 or more years experience who net 525,000 yearly will not apply for judgeships, he said. To apply for a judge's position a person must be strongly motivated and consider trade-off advantages, Dunlevey said. Advantages include regular hours, retirement programs and higher prestige. "But prestige doesn't buy you a new car or groceries," he added. Although the state Legislature enacted salary increases reasonably equal to the increase in the cost of living, Dunlevey said, the county judges arc still underpaid. He warned that problems could develop if salaries are not boosted. One special advantage for Nebraska judges is the -"merit retention and selection" procedure, Dunlevey said. Judges are initially appointed and then reconfirmed on nonpartisan ballots. Qualified people "This system attracts more qualified men," he explained, "because they don't have to go through the political problems and expenses of a campaign." Samuel Van Pelt, state district court judge, said he is satisfied with his job. "Some judges might not have taken their jobs if it hadn't been for the recent raises," Van Pelt said, "but I'm pretty satisfied." Van Pelt said he is probably earning less money now than he would be making in private practice, but added that other compensations were considered in the change from lawyer to judge. "I didn't like the economics of law," he explained. "I hated charging people for my services; especially those I knew were having a hard time paying my fee." Now Van Pelt has no worries bout billing clients and no more headaches keeping books. ASUN senate rejects spring election rules The ASUN Senate Wednesday night rejected the electoral commission's recommendations on rules for the spring 1975 elections. The ASUN constitution requires the Senate to approve "early in the semester" rules for elections each semester. Gary Hall, electoral commissioner, said the commission will try to present new recommendations by next week but that the rejection will "mess up" the commission's timetable and possibly ccjuld delay the election. in committee rcpoits, Dave Huwicit, constitutional revision committee spokesman, presented the committee's recommendations to the Senate. However, before a vote could be taken, the Senate lost its quorum during a lengthy debate over Union Board appointments and was forced to adjourn. Major changes in the ASUN Constitution proposed by the committee were: allow constitutional amendments to be approved by a majority of students voting in an election. Currently, a majority vote is needed if more than 30 per cent of eligible students vote. If less than 30 per cent vote, then 15 per cent of the total number of eligible students must approve the amendment, change ASUN elections to the fall semester. - require the ASUN president to submit a budget to the senate before IX'ccmber. -change the student cabinet to include the presidents of major campus organizations. Howlett said the changes "would be enough for the voters to take in this semester." if constitutional amendments could be approved by just a majority of the voters, it would be easier to ratify other needed changes next year, he said. Tim Lvenscn, another committee member, disagreed and said he was going to present to the senate a different constitution which the committee had rejected. His proposal would split the Senate into three committees -legislative, executive and judicial. Students would be elected at large to staggered terms on the committees. Lvensen said his plan would increase ASUN contact with students, make it easier for students to become involved in ASUN work, and make ASUN members more responsible lor their duties. thrusday, febrtiary 6, 1975 page 6 daily ncbraskan
