Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

How is the salary of judges determined according to the Georgia Constitution?

1. It is prescribed in the Constitution

2. It may be reduced by law during a judge's term of office

3. It is prescribed by law

4. It is determined by the governor

The correct answer is: It is prescribed by law

The correct understanding is that the salary of judges in Georgia is prescribed by law. This means that the specifics regarding judges' compensation are established through statutory provisions, rather than being explicitly detailed within the Constitution itself. As a result, adjustments to judicial salaries can be made through the legislative process, allowing for changes as needed without requiring a constitutional amendment. Other choices imply different mechanisms for determining judicial salaries. For instance, stating it is prescribed in the Constitution would indicate a more fixed and rigid framework, which does not reflect the legislative flexibility in adjusting judges' salaries. The idea of reducing a judge's salary during their term by law also contradicts the principle of judicial independence, which protects judges from arbitrary pay cuts once they are in office. Lastly, the notion that the governor determines judges' salaries would suggest executive control over the judiciary, which is not how the separation of powers framework is intended to operate in Georgia.