In 2025, retired judges and magistrates from Santa Catarina's judiciary recorded some of the highest salaries in Brazil, with ten of the twenty largest monthly earnings totaling up to R$ 281,000. These figures reveal a concerning trend where retired magistrates are still receiving substantial pay, with total earnings for the year reaching up to R$ 2.66 million and an average monthly payout of R$ 221,000. Among the individuals on this list, many have not actively served since at least 2020, highlighting how retired judges can continue to earn near the constitutional salary ceiling of R$ 46,300 while receiving additional allowances that significantly boost their income. These earnings, which include an average of R$ 39,000 in base salary plus R$ 184,000 in additional financial benefits, raise questions about fiscal responsibility and equity within Brazil's judiciary system. These salary insights are drawn from the CNJ (National Justice Council) portal, thereby drawing attention to the ongoing debate regarding the sustainability and fairness of pension systems for state judges. The implications of these salaries may have broader effects on public trust in the judicial system, especially in a country grappling with economic challenges and demands for transparency in government spending.