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Women are told they are not worth as much as men. Allowing prior salary to justify a wage differential perpetuates this message.

Federal Judge Stephen Reinhardt, who died last month. Before his death, he wrote this court opinion -- revealed this week -- in which he ruled that employers can't consider salary histories when deciding pay.

Federal Judge Stephen Reinhardt, who died last month. Before his death, he wrote this court opinion -- revealed this week -- in which he ruled that employers can't consider salary histories when deciding pay.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.