I’ll admit that it’s a tough call, but I must respectfully disagree with Abner Mikva regarding his suggestion that judges be appointed and not elected (Op-Ed, March 18).
In a society in which choice in our private and consumer lives seems to be an obsession, I’m surprised that so many people are quick to abdicate their ability to elect judges. Yes, I suppose that a group of attorneys could be empaneled to select judges such that the interests of both plaintiffs and defendants are fairly represented. I still have more confidence, however, in the citizenry casting educated and semi-educated votes for judges. I don’t see this as being all that different from how many of us vote for other elected offices. We rely on ourselves and on the advice of people and organizations that we respect.
Regarding Mr. Mikva’s complaint that judges must raise campaign money from attorneys that may appear before them, maybe we need only prohibit donations from lawyers and law firms. Furthermore, I’m not aware of judges engaging in a lot of active campaigning other than posters and direct mail.
In a related matter, Mr. David J. Patek laments the lack of federal judges being confirmed to the bench (Voice, March 17). Personally, I am pleased that U.S. senators elected by the American people are “Borking” many of the unqualified judicial activist nominees that President Clinton is sending their way.
