A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling dismissing a challenge to Pennsylvania's mandatory retirement age for judges.
Four state judges from Philadelphia, Northampton and Fayette counties had challenged the provision that jurists must step down at the age of 70.
The (Uniontown) Herald-Standard reports that the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cited earlier rulings in rejecting the challenge Tuesday.
A federal judge who earlier dismissed the challenge noted that there was irony in the fact that federal judges are appointed for life while Pennsylvania judges must abide by the state's set retirement age.
Two sets of judges earlier argued the issue in state and federal court last year. Last summer, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court dismissed the state court suit.
