§ 13-5.5-107 — Judicial performance evaluation criteria

Colorado § 13-5.5-107

• Jurisdiction: Colorado
• Title 13: Courts
• Art.: Commissions on Judicial

Text

(1) The state
commission and each district commission shall evaluate each justice and judge in
Colorado utilizing the powers and duties conferred upon each commission in
section 13-5.5-105. The evaluations must only include the following performance
evaluation criteria:

(a) Integrity, including but not limited to whether the justice or judge:

(I) Avoids impropriety or the appearance of impropriety;

(II) Displays fairness and impartiality toward all participants; and

(III) Avoids ex parte communications;

(b) Legal knowledge, including but not limited to whether the justice or
judge:

(I) Demonstrates, through well-reasoned opinions and courtroom conduct, an
understanding of substantive law and relevant rules of procedure and evidence;

(II) Demonstrates, through well-reasoned opinions and courtroom conduct,
attentiveness to factual and legal issues before the court; and

(III) Adheres to precedent or clearly explains the legal basis for departure
from precedent and appropriately applies statutes or other sources of legal
authority;

(c) Communication skills, including but not limited to whether the justice or
judge:

(I) Presents clearly written and understandable opinions, findings of fact,
conclusions of law, and orders;

(II) Presents clearly stated and understandable questions or statements
during oral arguments or presentations, and, for trial judges, clearly explains all
oral decisions; and

(III) Clearly presents information to the jury, as necessary;

(d) Judicial temperament, including but not limited to whether the justice or
judge:

(I) Demonstrates courtesy toward attorneys, litigants, court staff, and others
in the courtroom; and

(II) Maintains and requires order, punctuality, and appropriate decorum in the
courtroom;

(e) Administrative performance, including but not limited to whether the
justice or judge:

(I) Demonstrates preparation for oral arguments, trials, and hearings, as well
as attentiveness to and appropriate control over judicial proceedings;

(II) Manages workload and court time effectively and efficiently;

(III) Issues opinions, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders in a
timely manner and without unnecessary delay;

(IV) Participates in a proportionate share of the court's workload, takes
responsibility for more than his or her own caseload, and is willing to assist other
justices or judges; and

(V) Understands and complies, as necessary, with directives of the Colorado
supreme court; and

(f) Service to the legal profession and the public by participating in service-oriented efforts designed to educate the public about the legal system and improve
the legal system.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2017: Entire article R&RE, (HB 17-1303), ch. 331, p. 1773, � 1, effective August 9.