Judges Go to Court to Ax Retirement Age

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After nearly two decades on the bench, Westmoreland County Juvenile Court Judge John J. Driscoll said he does not want to be forced out of a job simply because he celebrated his 70th birthday in February.

On Jan. 1, Driscoll will have to step aside because Pennsylvania judges are required to retire at the end of the year in which they turn 70. His forced departure will come three years before his 10- year term expires in 2016.

Driscoll will not go without a fight. He and five other judges have filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court seeking the right to decide on their own when to retire.

"I joined in this action because I really love my work," Driscoll said …