Commissions on Judicial Performance were created in 1988 by the Colorado General Assembly for the purpose of providing voters with fair, responsible and constructive evaluations of trial and appellate judges and justices seeking retention in general elections. The results of the evaluations also provide judges with information that can be used to improve their professional skills as judicial officers. There is one State Commission on Judicial Performance and one commission in each of the 22 judicial districts. The Chief Justice, the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House appoint state and local commission members. Each commission is a ten-member body comprised of four attorneys and six non-attorneys.

The State Commission on Judicial Performance developed evaluation techniques for district and county judges, justices of the supreme court, and judges of the court of appeals. According to statute, those criteria include the following: integrity; knowledge and understanding of substantive, procedural and evidentiary law; communication skills; preparation; attentiveness and control over judicial proceedings; and sentencing practices.

Local commissions review the district and county judges in their respective districts. Surveys are completed by a random sample of attorneys and non-attorneys who have appeared before the judge. The commissions also review relevant docket and sentencing statistics, conduct a personal interview with the judge, make unannounced court observations, and conduct public hearings. The State Commission reviews the supreme court justices and the court of appeals judges. Attorneys and trial court judges complete surveys; the state commission holds a public hearing and conducts an interview with the justice or judge.

Each evaluation includes a narrative profile with the recommendation stated as “retain,” “do not retain,” or “no opinion.”

Members of the State Commission are Paul Farley, Chair, Dr. Henry Chu, Interim Vice-Chair, Bill Banta, Robert Blackwell, Linda Carroll, Zelda DeBoyes, Jean Dubofsky, Elwood Gillis, Paul Miller and B.J. Nikkel. As a result of their efforts and the important backing of the Colorado legislature, the Colorado Judicial Performance Commission is nationally recognized as a model for other states, with similar judicial models to follow.

For additional information, please contact Jane Howell, Director, at (303) 837-3665.