Puerto Rican Bar Association Supports Constitutional Amendment to Remove Age Restriction on NYS Judges
Proposition would ensure a judiciary that benefits from a wealth of judicial experience
Last week, the Puerto Rican Bar Association ("PRBA") - the oldest ethnic bar association in New York - announced its support for a Constitutional Amendment to remove age restrictions on the New York State judiciary (Proposition 6).
The PRBA Board of Directors asks New York State voters to vote YES on Proposition #6. This constitutional limitation, originally passed in 1869, operates today as a discriminatory and arbitrary rule, one which should have been eliminated decades ago. As a matter of law, this constitutional retirement age requirement for judges is the only one of its kind remaining in New York State. Ironically, it has been the public policy of New York State since the 1980's to prohibit employers from subjecting their employees to mandatory retirement in both the public and private sectors.
The time has come for voters to do away with this constitutional prohibition by voting YES on Proposition #6. Court filings have increased 56% over the past 30 years, while the number of judicial positions has only increased a paltry 8%. Voting YES on Proposition #6 is a matter of sound public policy to help curb our crowded court dockets. A YES vote on this proposal will help to reduce a backlog of cases that hampers our legal system and would make resources available where they are needed most -- in poor and underserved communities.
By approving Proposition 6, New Yorkers will strengthen the judiciary by retaining its most experienced judges. The Puerto Rican Bar Association is committed to working with its members and community to help pass Proposition 6 and bring New York State's Constitution in line with the 21st century.