Here is a story that caught my attention. A Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in Portland, Maine has sued the agency. Judge Katherine Morgan, age 71, claims that SSA has subjected her to unfounded criticism due to her age and sex. That is is interesting enough. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. It appears that much of the criticism aimed at Judge Morgan pertains to her approving too many claimants. I suppose that Morgan’s lawyers could not sue directly over her approval rates for cases. So, they have couched their complaint in the more familiar settings of age and sex discrimination. But, it is hard not to wonder if this whole dispute really comes down to Judge Morgan approving too many claimants. The other bases for discipline against her are so petty as to be laughable. They include not documenting her attendance. This sounds like something a 4th Grader gets scolded over. This is a lawsuit to watch closely. I think that what is really at stake here is judicial independence. This smells a lot like the start of a campaign by SSA to pressure judges to approve fewer claimants. The threat here is direct and obvious. If the ALJ’s are no longer free of undue influence by SSA, the system is fundamentally unfair. I really look forward to hearing what discovery turns up in this case. Unless, of course, SSA quickly pays Judge Morgan to go away and remain silent.
Judge Sues Social Security For Discrimination
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