George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School

Judicial Symposium on the Economics and Law of Public Pension Reform


Event Details

  • Date:
  • Venue: Belmond Charleston Place
  • Division: The Judicial Education Program

The Judicial Symposium on the Economics and Law of Public Pension Reform discussed the looming financial and structural crisis that faced state pensions systems across the nation. With several dozen states adopting modest to major reforms, the economic impact on plan beneficiaries was substantial, and at least twenty-five jurisdictions faced lawsuits due to the reforms adopted.

This symposium comprehensively outlined the underlying structure of pension systems, addressed the differences between public and private pensions, and detailed the unfunded liabilities and potential bankruptcy issues that arose from this crisis. It also discussed the legal challenges to reform efforts under state constitutions citing both the contracts clause and the takings clause.

The symposium was structured to allow ample time for participant dialogue with speakers and panelists.