Moorhead Judge Loses Battle Over Retirement Age in Minnesota

A Ramsey County district court judge ruled that the Minnesota Constitution gives the legislature authority to impose the mandatory retirement

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Judge Galen Vaa of Moorhead has lost his legal challenge to a Minnesota law that forces judges to retire at the age of 70.

Judge Vaa claims the mandatory retirement age for district court judges is discriminatory and unconstitutional.

A Ramsey County district court judge ruled that the Minnesota Constitution gives the legislature authority to impose the mandatory retirement.

The 69-year-old Vaa says he will appeal the decision and ask the Minnesota Supreme Court for an “accelerated review” because he will turn 70 in March, 2018.