[Note: This CJI letter to the editor was originally published October 30, 2024, in the print edition of The Denver Post. Reprinted here with permission.]
Colorado's voters have a say in retaining our judges. You have helpful information from Colorado's Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation in the voter Blue Book and online at KnowYourJudge.com.
This information is gathered by judicial performance commissions throughout Colorado. These bipartisan commissions are made up of citizens—not judges. They are appointed by several authorities, including legislators from both sides of the aisle, our state's chief justice, and the governor.
They look at multiple data points, including observation of judges in the courtroom, review of rulings, surveys and interviews with attorneys and others who had contact with the judges, and interviews with the judges. Yes, most judges who stand for retention meet performance standards. This is not surprising, given that in Colorado's system judges are appointed based on their qualifications and they engage in continuing legal education. While no system is perfect, ours has stood the test of time for almost 60 years.
—Jeff Rupp, Denver
Editor's note: Rupp is executive director of the Colorado Judicial Institute.
