Edward Koch was a sometimes polarizing figure during the 12 years he served as New York City’s mayor, but legal observers praised his efforts to remove politics as a factor in judicial appointment.

Koch, who died on Feb. 1 at the age 88 of congestive heart failure, gave real authority to an advisory panel that screened candidates for Family, Criminal and interim Civil court positions. He also insisted that his nominees be approved by the New York City Bar.