An unusual number of state judges retired from the bench this year, a development likely tied to a recent salary increase for the jurists.

The Boston Globe reports that 32 judges announced their retirements in 2014, including 17 who had not yet reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

The pay hike for judges _ the first since 2006 _ also boosted annual pensions by $22,500. Many were also able to collect large payments for unused vacation and sick time.

The Globe says the 32 retirements were more than double the number in a typical year and the most in at least 15 years.

The two-stage salary increase approved by lawmakers boosted annual pay for most judges to just under $160,000 a year, still below a majority of states.

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