Although The Baltimore Sun is Johnny-come-lately to watching judges--and for many years usually refused to identify city judges who took hugely questionable actions--we can feel only gratitude for Peter Hermann's vigilance ("Plea deal puts robber back on street," Aug. 8).

I have a practical suggestion.

Let's subject every Maryland judge, from district court to the court of appeal, to a retention election--yes or no--every four years, to coincide with the quadrennial state elections.

If this system were in place today, we could wish John Addison Howard a pleasant retirement.

Hal Riedl, Baltimore