Judge judges for their experience. We need it.

Bronx: In “Judging judges” (editorial, Dec. 28), the Daily News got it backward. Signing this bill is essential to maintaining judicial independence and excellence. Most critically, the bill does not wipe out the court system’s discretion but merely codifies what is already in the New York State Constitution, which requires an individualized determination as to whether each justice who applies for certification is competent and mentally and physically able to do the job, and necessary to the work of the courts. What this law will prevent is a repetition of the arbitrary action in 2020, when three justices were permitted to continue working while jettisoning 46 others who were just as competent and necessary as those permitted to stay.

Editors also suggest that justices seek certification out of greed. In fact, many justices who reach age 70 choose to retire and take their pensions; others return to private practice and earn far more as lawyers than they did as judges. Justices who apply for certification are willing to forego their pensions so they can continue full-time judicial service for the people of the state.

This bill passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously with bipartisan support and is consistent with the underlying constitutional provision. The people of our state should have the benefit of service from some of our wisest and most experienced justices.

Roger Juan Maldonado former president, New York City Bar Association

Jeffrey Dinowitz assemblymember and former chair, Judiciary Committee