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Constitutional Law Keyed to Choper
Massachusetts Bd. of Retirement v. Murgia
Citation:
427 U.S. 307 (1976)Facts
Robert Murgia served as an officer in the Uniformed Branch of the Massachusetts State Police. Under Massachusetts law, uniformed state police officers were required to pass comprehensive physical examinations biennially until age 40, and annually thereafter until mandatory retirement at age 50. Murgia was involuntarily retired upon reaching age 50 despite having passed a comprehensive physical examination four months prior and being in excellent physical and mental health. The primary function of the Uniformed Branch was to protect persons and property and maintain law and order, including controlling prison and civil disorders, responding to emergencies, patrolling highways, investigating crimes, and apprehending suspects. Medical testimony established that the risk of physical failure, particularly in the cardiovascular system, increases with age, though particular individuals over 50 could be capable of safely performing police functions. Murgia brought suit claiming that the mandatory retirement provision violated his right to equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment.
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