Should Judges Have to Retire at 60?

Stance

Disagree: A fixed retirement at 60 is arbitrary and counterproductive — it risks losing judicial expertise, undermines independence, and ignores more proportionate safeguards.

Definitions (stance-aware)

• Judges: Members of the judiciary in superior courts (High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court).
• Retire at 60: A compulsory age cut-off, regardless of ability, health, or continuing competence.
• Should: Whether such a rule is normatively justified, balancing fairness, efficiency, independence, and public confidence.

Assumptions under challenge

1. That age is a reliable proxy for competence, impartiality, or legitimacy.
2. That judicial turnover at 60 inherently improves justice or diversity.
3. That mandatory retirement is necessary to protect public trust.

Point 1 — Judicial independence and security of tenure