Murphy v. State of Michigan

Plaintiff is the widow of the late George Murphy, who served as a judge of the Detroit Recorder’s Court from January 1, 1936, until his death on July 11, 1961. Pursuant to the Judges’ Retirement Act, MCL 38.801 et seq.; MSA 27.125(1) et seq., plaintiff has received a retirement annuity from the Judges’ Retirement System since Judge Murphy’s death. At issue in this appeal is whether plaintiff’s annuity should remain at the amount to which she was entitled on July 11, 1961, or whether her annuity should be increased as the salary paid by the state to circuit judges increases.

The Court of Claims…