Most NC judges agree to voluntary pay cut

WINSTON-SALEM -- Officials say most judges in North Carolina have agreed to voluntary pay cuts like those being imposed on state employees. The Winston-Salem Journal reported Wednesday that state judicial officials said 368 of the state's 396 judges agreed to the 0.5 percent salary cut. Gov. Beverly Perdue imposed a pay cut on state employees to help trim a growing budget deficit. The state Administrative Office of the Courts said four judges said they would give back the half percent but not by payroll deduction. North Carolina's Constitution protects judges against reduction in pay while they are on the bench, but other court personnel's pay isn't protected. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)