Judge Christine Chauche - Commissions on Judicial Performance

State of Colorado LogoCOMMISSION ON JUDICIAL PERFORMANCEThe Honorable <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report18th Judicial District

March 26, 2012The Honorable <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Arapahoe County Courthouse1790 W. Littleton Blvd.Littleton, CO 80120Dear <strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>:I am pleased to make available to you the attached copy of your 2012 JudicialPerformance Survey Report. This report includes the survey results from twoimportant stakeholder groups: 1) attorneys who have had cases in your court or whoare knowledgeable about your judicial performance; and 2) non-attorneys who haveobserved your performance in court or who have knowledge of your performance asa judge. In addition to this introduction, the report is divided into five main sections:1. A brief summary of the results of the attorney and non-attorney surveys.2. The numerical results of the survey of attorneys in both tabular and graphicalform. In addition to the numerical results, this section also containscomments attorneys made about your judicial performance. In someinstances the comments have been redacted to eliminate respondentidentifying information. A copy of the attorney questionnaire is included inthe final section of this report.3. The numerical results of the survey of non-attorneys in both tabular andgraphical form. In addition to the numerical results, this section also containscomments these respondents made on the subject of your judicialperformance. In few instances the comments have been redacted to eliminaterespondent identifying information. A copy of the non-attorneyquestionnaire is included in the final section of this report.4. The fourth section of the report discusses the methodology of the surveys.5. The final section provides copies of the questions or questionnaires that wereused for each survey.

Hon. <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>March 26, 2012Page 2If you have any questions about the methodology and how the survey wasconducted, please feel free to contact me at 505-821-5454 or by email atsanderoff@rpinc.com (please put the words “Judicial Performance” in the subject line),and for any other questions you might have about the survey please call theExecutive Director of the Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, Jane Howell, at303-866-6465.Best regards,enc:Brian SanderoffPresident5140 SAN FRANCISCO RD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109WWW.RPINC.COM 505-821-5454

Summary of ResultsRespondents rated judges on various questions using an A to F scale, in which thegrades were then converted to numerical scores: A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. Anaverage score of 4.0 is the highest possible score and a 0.0 is the lowest possible score.On average, <strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> received an overall combined average grade of3.28 in the 2012 Judicial Performance Survey. This is calculated by adding the overallaverage grade received from attorney respondents, 3.18, to the overall average gradereceived from non-attorney respondents, 3.37, divided by two.The average combined grade for all county judges standing for retention in 2012 is 3.45[not shown below].<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> Average Grades (All Years)Combined Attorney Non-attorneyOverall Grade 3.28 3.18 3.37Sample Size - 91 251Table 1The results presented in this report are based on data collected in 2008, 2009, 2010, and2011. (See Methodology section for description of sampling process.) Provisional judgeswill not have samples for the years prior to their appointment. Table 2 shows <strong>Judge</strong><strong>Chauche</strong>’s overall average grades for each year in which survey results are available.<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> Average Grades by YearCombinedAttorneyNon-AttorneyYearAverageScoreAverageScoreSampleSizeAverageScoreSampleSize2008 3.44 3.24 8 3.63 422009 3.25 3.07 40 3.42 932010 3.29 3.22 26 3.35 342011 3.30 3.41 17 3.19 82Overall 3.28 3.18 91 3.37 251Table 21

Comparison of Jurors vs. Non-Jurors Among Non-Attorney PopulationAmong the non-attorney population, jurors tend to grade judges much higher than nonjurors.The juror overall average grade for all county judges standing for retention in2012 is 3.85, while the overall average grade awarded by non-jurors is 3.29. The effect ofthis is that judges with a higher percentage of jurors in their sample tend to have higheraverage grades in the non-attorney survey than those judges with a small percentage ofjurors. The number of jurors in a judge’s sample is, of course, closely related to thenumber of jury trials the judge presides over.The table below shows <strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>’s non-attorney results broken out by jurors andnon-jurors. It also shows the overall average juror and non-juror grades for all countyjudges standing for retention in 2012 (see two columns on far right).<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> Average Grades for Jurors vs. Non-Jurors (All Years)All County<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Retention <strong>Judge</strong>sJurorsNon-JurorsAverage Sample Average Sample Juror Non-JurorScore Size % Score Size % Average Average3.84 97 39% 3.07 154 61% 3.85 3.29Table 32

Survey of Attorneys Regarding<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>(Sample Size 91)

Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Sample Size = 91A B C D Fail DK/NA<strong>Christine</strong><strong>Chauche</strong>AverageAll CountyRetention<strong>Judge</strong>s1. Case Management:1a. Promptly issuing a decision on the case after trial. 45% 18% 7% 2% 3% 25% 3.32 3.521b. Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings. 60% 25% 8% 4% 0% 2% 3.45 3.441c. Promptly ruling on pre-trial motions. 42% 22% 9% 2% 1% 24% 3.33 3.411d. Setting reasonable schedules for cases. 49% 22% 11% 5% 2% 10% 3.23 3.402. Application and Knowledge of Law:Overall Case Management3.33 3.442a. Being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 51% 22% 13% 7% 2% 5% 3.19 3.262b. Basing decisions on evidence and arguments. 47% 20% 11% 9% 4% 9% 3.06 3.152c. Willing to reconsider error in fact or law. 32% 11% 19% 3% 7% 29% 2.82 3.012d. Issuing consistent sentences when the circumstances aresimilar.39% 27% 20% 5% 2% 7% 3.02 3.283. Communications:Overall Application and Knowledge of Law3.02 3.183a. Making sure all participants understand the proceedings. 64% 20% 9% 2% 2% 3% 3.45 3.493b. Providing written communications that are clear, thorough 41% 13% 7% 4% 4% 30% 3.17 3.31and well reasoned.4. Demeanor:Overall Communications3.31 3.404a. Giving proceedings a sense of dignity. 60% 20% 10% 5% 3% 1% 3.30 3.394b. Treating parties with respect. 63% 14% 8% 7% 7% 2% 3.22 3.364c. Conducting his/her courtroom in a neutral manner. 55% 14% 8% 12% 5% 5% 3.07 3.194d. Consistently applying laws and rules. 53% 13% 9% 9% 8% 9% 3.04 3.235. Diligence:5a. Using good judgment in application of relevant law andrules.5b. Doing the necessary homework and being prepared forhis/her cases.5c. Being willing to handle cases on the docket even whenthey are complicated and time consuming.Overall Demeanor3.16 3.2946% 20% 9% 12% 4% 9% 3.00 3.1844% 23% 8% 5% 3% 16% 3.18 3.2851% 11% 10% 5% 2% 21% 3.29 3.38Overall Diligence3.16 3.28Overall Average Grade:3.18 3.31Note: Respondents rated judges on various questions using an A to F scale, in which the grades were then converted to numericalscores: A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. An average score of 4.0 is the highest possible score and a 0.0 is the lowest possible score.2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report4

Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Sample Size = 91Percentage<strong>Christine</strong><strong>Chauche</strong>All CountyRetention<strong>Judge</strong>sWould you say the judge is:Very biased in favor of the prosecutionSomewhat biased in favor of the prosecutionCompletely neutralSomewhat biased in favor of the defenseVery biased in favor of the defenseDon't know or not sure28% 9%30% 30%35% 49%2% 5%0% 1%5% 5%8. How strongly do you recommend that the <strong>Judge</strong> be retained in office, or not beretained in office?Percentages excluding undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain62% 70%17% 16%11% 7%10% 7%Total RetainTotal Not Retain79%21%86%14%Percentages including undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainUndecided or Don't KnowSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain55% 66%15% 15%11% 5%10% 6%9% 7%Total Retain 70% 81%Undecided/Don't Know 11% 5%Total Not Retain 19% 13%2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report5

<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAverage GradesOverall Average Grade3.183.31Q1. Overall Case Management3.333.441a. Promptly issuing a decision on thecase after trial.1b. Maintaining appropriate control overproceedings.3.323.453.443.521c. Promptly ruling on pre-trial motions.3.333.411d. Setting reasonable schedules for cases.3.233.40Q2. Overall App & Knowledge of Law2a. Being able to identify and analyzerelevant facts.3.023.183.193.262b. Basing decisions on evidence and argument.2c. Willing to reconsider error in fact or law.2.823.063.013.152d. [Criminal only] Issuing consistent sentenceswhen circumstances are similar.3.023.28Q3. Overall Communication3a. Making sure all participants understandthe proceedings.3.313.403.453.493b. Providing written communications that areclear, thorough and well reasoned.3.173.312.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report6

<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAverage GradesQ4. Overall Demeanor4a. Giving proceedings a sense of dignity.3.163.293.303.394b. Treating participants with respect.4c. Conducting [his/her] courtroomin a neutral manner.3.223.073.193.364d. Consistently applying laws and rules.3.043.23Q5. Overall Diligence5a. Using good judgment in application ofrelevant laws and rules.5b. Doing the necessary 'homework' andbeing prepared for [his/her] cases.5c. Being willing to handle cases on the docket evenwhen they are complicated and time consuming.3.003.163.283.183.183.283.293.382.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0Biased in favor of prosecution/defense.Very biased in favor of the prosecutionSomewhat biased in favor of the prosecutionCompletely NeutralSomewhat biased in favor of the defenseVery biased in favor of the defenseDon't know/not sure2%5%0%1%5%5%9%28%30%30%35%49%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report7

<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sQ8. How strongly do you recommend that <strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> be retained or notretained in office?Excluding Undecided/Don't Know RespondentsStrongly recommend retain62%70%Somewhat recommend retainSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain17%16%11%7%10%7%Excluding Und/DK RespondentsAll CntyRetention<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> <strong>Judge</strong>sTotal Retain 79% 86%Total Not Retain 21% 14%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%Including Undecided/Don't Know RespondentsStrongly recommend retain55%66%Somewhat recommend retainUndecided or DKSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain15%15%11%5%10%6%9%7%Including Und/DK RespondentsAll CntyRetention<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> <strong>Judge</strong>sTotal Retain 70% 81%Undecided or DK 11% 5%Total Not Retain 19% 13%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report8

Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>(Sample Size 251)

Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Sample Size = 251A B C D Fail DK/NA<strong>Christine</strong><strong>Chauche</strong>AverageAll CountyRetention<strong>Judge</strong>s1. Demeanor:1a. Giving court proceedings a sense of dignity. 67% 18% 8% 2% 4% 1% 3.44 3.591b. Treating participants in the case politely and with respect. 69% 13% 8% 3% 6% 0% 3.37 3.611c. Conducting court in a neutral manner. 67% 15% 5% 5% 7% 1% 3.29 3.561d. Having a sense of compassion and human understandingfor those who appear before the court.63% 15% 7% 4% 9% 2% 3.22 3.482. Fairness:Overall Demeanor3.33 3.562a. Giving participants an opportunity to be heard. 67% 18% 4% 6% 4% 2% 3.40 3.602b. Treating those involved in the case without bias. 66% 12% 6% 5% 7% 4% 3.30 3.532c. Treating fairly people who represent themselves. 51% 11% 6% 3% 6% 24% 3.28 3.532d. Giving each side enough time to present his or her case. 64% 17% 7% 2% 5% 5% 3.39 3.603. Communications:Overall Fairness3.34 3.573a. Making sure participants understand the proceedings, and 68% 17% 7% 3% 4% 1% 3.41 3.64what is going on in the courtroom.3b. Using language that everyone can understand. 68% 21% 5% 2% 2% 1% 3.53 3.673c. Speaking clearly so everyone in the courtroom can hearwhat is being said.71% 17% 7% 2% 2% 1% 3.55 3.714. Diligence:Overall Communications3.50 3.674a. Beginning court on time 59% 23% 6% 3% 7% 2% 3.27 3.494b. Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings. 71% 17% 5% 2% 4% 1% 3.51 3.694c. Setting reasonable schedules for cases. 59% 17% 6% 2% 4% 11% 3.40 3.594d. Being prepared for cases. 66% 16% 5% 3% 5% 5% 3.43 3.624e. Managing court proceedings so that there is little wastedtime.62% 21% 6% 3% 6% 2% 3.31 3.525. Application of Law:Overall Diligence3.38 3.585a. Giving reasons for rulings. 59% 20% 6% 3% 5% 6% 3.33 3.515b. Willing to make decisions without regard to possible 54% 15% 4% 3% 5% 19% 3.34 3.53outside pressure.5c. Being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 61% 16% 6% 5% 6% 6% 3.27 3.52Overall Application of Law3.31 3.52Overall Average Grade:3.37 3.58Note: Respondents rated judges on various questions using an A to F scale, in which the grades were then converted to numericalscores: A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. An average score of 4.0 is the highest possible score and a 0.0 is the lowest possible score.2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report10

Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Sample Size = 2516. How biased do you think the <strong>Judge</strong> is toward the defense or prosecution?[Please see the questionnaire at the end ofreport for question wording.][A positive average indicates bias toward prosecution, and anegative average indicates a bias toward the defense.]Biased in favor of the prosecution totalCompetely neutralBiased in favor of the defense totalAveragePercentage<strong>Christine</strong><strong>Chauche</strong>All CountyRetention<strong>Judge</strong>s19% 12%71% 82%10% 6%0.24 0.157. How lenient or harsh do you think the sentences generally handed down by <strong>Judge</strong>are?[Please see the questionnaire at the end ofreport for question wording.][A positive average indicates sentences are harsh, and anegative average indicates sentences are lenient.]Harsh sentencing totalCompetely neutralLenient sentencing totalAverage32% 12%64% 78%6% 10%0.75 0.1410. How strongly do you recommend that the <strong>Judge</strong> be retained or not retained inoffice?Percentages excluding undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain76% 84%8% 8%3% 3%13% 5%Total RetainTotal Not Retain84%16%92%8%Percentages including undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainUndecided or Don't KnowSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain68% 77%7% 7%10% 8%3% 2%12% 5%Total Retain 75% 84%Undecided/Don't Know 10% 8%Total Not Retain 15% 7%2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report11

<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAverage GradesOverall Average Grade3.373.58Q1. Overall Demeanor1a. Giving proceedings a sense of dignity.1b. Treating participants politely and with respect.1c. Conducting the courtroom in a neutralmanner.3.333.443.373.293.563.593.613.561d. Having a sense of compassion and humanunderstanding for those who appear before the judge.3.223.48Q2. Overall Fairness2a. Giving participants an opportunity to beheard.2b. Treating those involved in thecase without bias.2c. Treats people fairly who representthemselves.2d. Giving each side enough time to present hisor her case.3.343.403.303.283.393.573.603.533.533.60Q3. Overall Communications3a. Making sure participants understand theproceedings, and what's going on in the courtroom.3b. Using language that everyone canunderstand.3.413.503.533.673.643.673c. Speaking clearly so everyone in the courtroomcan hear what's being said.3.553.712.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report12

<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAverage GradesQ4. Overall Diligence4a. Beginning court on time.4b. Maintaining appropriate control overproceedings.4c. Setting reasonable schedules for cases.4d. Being prepared for his or her cases.4e. Managing court proceedings so that there islittle wasted time.3.383.583.273.493.513.693.403.593.433.623.313.52Q5. Overall Application of Law5a. Giving reasons for rulings.5b. Willing to make decision without regard topossible outside pressure.5c. Being able to identify and analyzerelevant facts.2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.03.313.273.333.343.523.513.533.52Q6 Biased in favor of prosecution/defense.10.240.15-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5DefenseProsecution 1-A negative average score indicates bias toward the defense, and a positive average score indicates bias toward prosecution.Q7 Lenience or Harshness in Sentencing.20.750.14-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5LenientHarsh 2-A negative average score indicates sentences are lenient, and a positive average score indicates sentences are harsh.<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report13

<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sQ10. How strongly do you recommend that <strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> be retained or notretained in office?Excluding Undecided/Don't Know RespondentsStrongly recommend retain in office76%84%Somewhat recommend retain in officeSomewhat recommend not retain in officeStrongly recommend not retain in office8%8%3%3%13%5%Excluding Und/DK RespondentsAll CntyRetention<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> <strong>Judge</strong>sTotal Retain 84% 92%Total Not Retain 16% 8%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%Including Undecided /Don't Know RespondentsStrongly recommend retain in office68%77%Somewhat recommend retain in office7%7%UndecidedSomewhat recommend not retain in officeStrongly recommend not retain in office10%8%3%2%12%5%Including Und/DK RespondentsAll CntyRetention<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> <strong>Judge</strong>sTotal Retain 75% 84%Undecided 10% 8%Total Not Retain 15% 7%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%<strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong>All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>s2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report14

Methodology

MethodologyThe results shown in the 2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report are based on twosurveys: The Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s, and the Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s. Below is a description of the methodology used inthe two surveys.a. Sample:I Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sResearch & Polling, Inc. received case data with the names of attorneys who had likelybeen in each judge’s courtroom from the following primary sources:Colorado Judicial DepartmentColorado District Attorneys’ CouncilColorado Public Defender’s OfficeDenver County CourtsDistrict Attorney’s Office, Second Judicial District (Denver)District Attorney’s Office, Ninth Judicial DistrictThe data from these different sources are combined, duplicates removed, and addressescorrected.In 2011, the following changes were made to the Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>ssurvey process:Only judges that are standing for retention in 2012 were evaluated during thisreporting cycle (the intent was to increase the number of completed attorneyevaluations for each retention judge by excluding those not standing forretention).The number of possible judges that attorney respondents could evaluate wasincreased from seven to 10.Attorneys are first mailed a letter inviting them to complete the survey online. The letterprovides the link to the online survey, as well as a unique password to access the survey.Approximately one week later, attorneys are sent an email invitation to complete theonline survey, which also provides the Web address and their unique password. Abouta week after the first email is sent, a reminder email is sent, providing the sameinformation. Potential respondents who do not complete the survey after the secondemail are then telephoned and asked to either complete the survey by phone, or tocomplete it online.Since 2010, the Judicial Performance Survey reports are based on a moving average, orrolling sample, of data collected over a period of time equal to the justice’s or judge’sterm of office: ten years for a Supreme Court justice, eight years for a COA judge, sixyears for a district judge, and four years for a county judge. To use a county judge as an16

example: as survey data is collected it is pooled together for four years. After four years,as new data is added to the judge’s survey results, the oldest data in the pool is deleted.b. Questions:Respondents evaluated judges on 17 aspects of judicial performance using a grade scaleof A, B, C, D, or F. (See Questionnaire section.) These grades were then converted to anumerical score where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and Fail = 0. The A through F scale waschosen because it is almost universally recognized and understood. This makes it easyfor respondents to complete their questionnaire, and for the public to interpret theresults.Respondents were also asked if they considered the judge biased toward the defense orprosecution in criminal cases. In a final question, respondents were asked to indicatehow strongly they would recommend that the justice or judge be retained or notretained in office.c. Comments:Respondents were also asked what they considered to be the judge’s strengths andweaknesses. By statute, these comments are confidential and only provided to the judgeand the District Commission on Judicial Performance. They are not released to thepublic when the rest of the report is released. Before being given to the judge and theCommission, an attempt is made to redact all respondent identifying information fromthe comments.Since 2005, there have been changes to the number of comment questions asked, thoughthe strengths and weaknesses questions have been posed in every survey.The number to the left of each comment refers to the same attorney respondent in boththe strengths section and the weaknesses section.Most spelling and typographical errors have been corrected.d. Analysis:The Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s section first shows a table of the percentagedistribution for each of the A through F questions, including “don’t know/notapplicable” responses. The next column to the right shows the judge’s average gradefor each question. For comparison purposes, averages were also computed for allcounty judges standing for retention in 2012 and are shown in the furthest right columnon the page. Tables showing the percentage distribution for all questions for all countyretention judges are located at the end of this methodology section.The overall question averages are calculated by adding up the averages for eachquestion and dividing by the number of questions.The next table shows the percentage distribution of the responses to the question aboutrecommending retention. The first column of percentages is for the report-judge and thesecond column displays the percentages for all county retention judges. The17

percentages are shown both including and excluding “undecided/don’t know”responses.The next page displays the question averages in horizontal bar-graph form. Thepercentage distribution to the retention question is then presented in the graph on thenext page.The third part of the Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s section of the report lists thecomments the attorneys made about the judge’s strengths and weaknesses.e. Cooperation Rate:The overall cooperation rate for the Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s Survey iscalculated as the number of completed survey evaluations divided by the number ofpossible evaluations resulting in an overall response rate of 45.7% for district judges and37.6% for county judges. An equivalent response rate for an individual judge iscomputed in the same manner.a. Sample:II Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sResearch & Polling, Inc. received case data with the names of non-attorneys who hadlikely been in each judge’s courtroom from the following primary sources:Colorado Judicial DepartmentColorado District Attorneys’ CouncilColorado Public Defender’s OfficeDenver County CourtsDistrict Attorney’s Office, Second Judicial District (Denver)District Attorney’s Office, Ninth Judicial DistrictThe data from these different sources are combined, duplicates removed, and addressescorrected.In 2011, only the judges standing for retention in 2012 were evaluated. The intent was toincrease the number of completed non-attorney evaluations for each retention judge byexcluding those not standing for retention. For this evaluation cycle, the followingchanges were made to the Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s survey process:Court staff, probation officers, and court interpreters were asked to complete thesurvey online, with the possibility of evaluating up to 10 judgesRPI surveyed all non-attorneys with courtroom experience instead of a randomsample of each sub-population (i.e. court employees, court interpreters,probation officers, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, jurors, crime victims,litigants, etc.). The only exception to this is the criminal defendants, for whichRPI selected a random sample.18

As stated above, court staff, probation officers, and court interpreters were asked tocomplete the survey online. They are sent an email invitation to complete the onlinesurvey, which also provides the Web address and their unique password. About a weekafter the first email is sent, a reminder email is sent, providing the same information.Other non-attorneys were surveyed via standard mail. First, they were mailed an initialpostcard informing the recipient that he or she would be receiving a questionnaire. Twoto three weeks after the postcard was mailed, the potential respondent was sent apersonalized introductory letter and a questionnaire with a postage-paid returnenvelope. If the person did not respond, a second questionnaire and letter were sentapproximately four weeks later. Questionnaires are barcoded, and if a respondentmailed back two questionnaires, the second one was deleted from the data file.Since 2010, the non-attorney section of the Judicial Performance Survey reports havebeen based on a moving average, or rolling sample, of survey results collected over aperiod of time equal to the judge’s term of office: six years for a district judge and fouryears for a county judge. To use a county judge as an example: as survey data iscollected, it is pooled together for four years. After four years, as new data is added tothe judge’s survey results, the oldest data in the pool is deleted.b. Questions:Respondents evaluated judges on 19 aspects of judicial performance using a grade scaleof A, B, C, D, or F. (See Questionnaire section.) These grades were then converted to anumerical score where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and Fail = 0. The A through F scale waschosen because it is almost universally recognized and understood. This makes it easyfor respondents to complete their questionnaire, and for the public to interpret theresults.Respondents were also asked if they considered the judge biased toward the defense orprosecution in criminal cases. In a final question, respondents were asked to indicatehow strongly they would recommend that the justice or judge be retained or notretained in office.A copy of the questionnaire is included in the last section of this report.c. Analysis:The Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s section first shows a table of the percentagedistribution for each of the A through F questions, including “don’t know/notapplicable” responses. The next column to the right shows the judge’s average gradefor each question. For comparison purposes, averages were also computed for allcounty judges standing for retention in 2012 and are shown in the furthest right columnon the page. Tables showing the percentage distribution for all questions for all countyretention judges are located at the end of this methodology section.The overall question averages are calculated by adding up the averages for eachquestion and dividing by the number of questions.19

The next table shows the percentage distribution of the responses to the questions aboutprosecution or defense bias and recommending retention. The first column ofpercentages is for the report-judge and the second column displays the percentages forall county retention judges. The percentages for the retention question are shownincluding and excluding “undecided/don’t know” responses.The next page displays the question averages in horizontal bar-graph form. Thepercentage distribution of the prosecution-defense bias and retention questions are thenpresented in the graph on the next page.The third part of the Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s section of the report lists thecomments the non-attorneys made about the judge’s strengths and weaknesses.d. Comments:In addition to the A through F questions, non-attorney respondents were asked whatthey considered to be the judge’s strengths and weaknesses. By statute, these commentsare confidential and only provided to the judge and the District Commission on JudicialPerformance. They are not released to the public when the rest of the report is released.Before being given to the judge and the Commission, an attempt is made to redact allrespondent identifying information from the comments.Since 2005 there have been changes to the number of comment questions asked, thoughthe strengths and weaknesses questions have been posed in every survey.The number to the left of each comment refers to the same non-attorney respondent inboth the strengths section and the weaknesses section.e. Cooperation Rate:The estimated cooperation rate for the non-attorney survey is calculated as the numberof completed questionnaires divided by the number of eligible respondents who actuallyreceived a questionnaire. The following table shows the total number of questionnairesmailed, completed, non-responses and refusals, undeliverables, and other responses.The table presents the estimated overall cooperation rate as well as the cooperation rateby the different types of respondents. The true cooperation rates are likely higher thanshown because of the percentage of people who were mailed questionnaires aboutjudges with whom they may not have had sufficient experience. This is due, in part, tomany cases being disposed of without the parties having appeared in court, as well as inthe case of law enforcement, the data includes all those who were subpoenaed for a case,not just those who appeared.A table of the response counts by respondent type for <strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong> is shown on thefollowing page, and on the next page is a table of the overall cooperation rates for boththe Attorney and Non-Attorney Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s surveys for all county judges.20

<strong>Judge</strong> <strong>Christine</strong> <strong>Chauche</strong><strong>Judge</strong> Response Counts by Type of RespondentRole TypeTotalSentNoResponseUndeliverable/Not ApplicableOther Non-ResponsesCompletesCoopRateAttorneysCriminalCivilDistrict Attorneys 24 15 10 8 34.8%Defense Attorneys 138 93 00 45 32.6%Attorneys for Litigants 1 1 00 0 0.0%Other Attorneys Civil 93 46 90 38 45.2%Total Attorneys256 155 10 0 91 37.0%Non-attorneysCriminalCivilJurorsWitness 75 40 227 6 11.3%Law Enforcement 16 8 60 2 20.0%Defendant 361 192 1243 42 17.7%Litigant 311 150 9212 57 26.0%Witness 98 52 173 26 32.1%Other 3 1 10 1 50.0%Employees, including InterpretersProbation OfficersTotal Non-attorneys193 82 113 97 53.3%30 9 31 17 63.0%16 9 40 3 25.0%1103 543 280 29 251 30.5%Grand Total:1359 698 29029 342 32.0%2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report21

Total Response Counts by Type of Respondent for All County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>sTotalSentNoResponseUndeliverable/Not ApplicableOther Non-ResponsesCompletesCooperationRateAttorneysCriminalCivilDistrict Attorneys 2049 1103 2890 657 37.3%Defense Attorneys 8880 5065 7740 3041 37.5%Other Attorneys Criminal 12 7 10 4 36.4%Attorneys for Litigants 441 266 300 145 35.3%Other Attorneys Civil 1346 701 1910 454 39.3%Attorneys, Unknown Role TypeNon-attorneysCriminalCivilJurorsTotal Attorneys24 8 71 8 47.1%12752 7150 1292 1 4309 37.6%Victim 277 159 9015 13 7.0%Witness 4435 2510 1368182 375 12.2%Other 549 334 15620 39 9.9%Law Enforcement 3638 2574 45792 515 16.2%Defendant 24165 11842 9981329 2013 14.2%Litigant 4982 2497 1744118 623 19.2%Witness 1544 856 33144 313 25.8%Other 78 50 202 6 10.3%Employees, including InterpretersProbation OfficersTotal Non-attorneys11310 5027 1133268 4882 48.0%666 182 9512 377 66.0%415 109 975 204 64.2%52059 26140 15472 1087 9360 25.6%Grand Total:64811 33290 16764 1088 13669 28.4%2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report22

A Final Word Regarding the Survey ResultsThe most frequently asked question that we receive from judges regarding the survey statisticsis, “What is the margin of sampling error associated with these results?” The answer to thisquestion is that a margin of error cannot be calculated since we are not selecting a randomsample of eligible respondents (attorneys and non-attorneys) to be surveyed; instead, we areattempting to survey all members of the eligible population. Since we are not generating arandom sample, we cannot estimate a percentage or value of the population sampled with aknown probability of error.Every eligible respondent in the attorney and non-attorney population is now given anopportunity to evaluate judges with whom they have had a recent experience. 1 The onlyexception is among the criminal defendant population, in which, due to its size, a randomsample is selected. The respondents know the purpose and content of the survey, and based onthat, decide whether to respond to it. Measures are taken to increase the response rate so thatconcerns regarding sampling bias can be mitigated. The higher the response rate, the moreconfident we can feel the results of the respondents are similar to the results of the nonrespondents.Attorneys and non-attorneys receive multiple waves of reminders via email ormail to complete the survey. Further, all non-responding attorneys are then contacted on thetelephone and given the opportunity to complete the evaluation with the professionalinterviewer. RPI has contacted hundreds of non-responding attorneys to encourage theirparticipation. We have been informed by the vast majority of the non-responding attorneys thatthe primary reason for not participating in the survey is because of a lack of sufficientinformation to evaluate that particular judge.The Judicial Performance Evaluation Survey is a valuable means, perhaps the only practicalmeans, for the <strong>Commissions</strong> on Judicial Performance to have a summary of results fromstructured interviews among stakeholders who have courtroom familiarity with each judgebeing evaluated. We are continuing to take steps to increase cell sizes and cooperation rates foreach judge in order to further enhance this evaluation program.1 Attorneys have the opportunity to evaluate up to 10 judges on an online survey. Among the nonattorneypopulation, court staff, probation officers, and interpreters also have the opportunity to evaluateup to 10 judges on an online survey. The remaining non-attorney populations are mailed a paper surveywith the opportunity to evaluate one judge.23

Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAll County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>sSample Size = 4309 A B C D Fail DK/NAAverageGrade1. Case Management:1a. Promptly issuing a decision on the case after trial. 50% 17% 5% 1% 1% 25% 3.521b. Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings. 63% 23% 9% 3% 2% 1% 3.441c. Promptly ruling on pre-trial motions. 48% 21% 7% 2% 1% 21% 3.411d. Setting reasonable schedules for cases. 57% 24% 9% 3% 2% 5% 3.40Overall Case Management 3.442. Application and Knowledge of Law:2a. Being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 55% 24% 11% 5% 3% 3% 3.262b. Basing decisions on evidence and arguments. 51% 23% 12% 6% 4% 4% 3.152c. Willing to reconsider error in fact or law. 38% 18% 10% 6% 5% 23% 3.012d. Issuing consistent sentences when the circumstances aresimilar.50% 23% 10% 4% 3% 11% 3.28Overall Application and Knowledge of Law 3.183. Communications:3a. Making sure all participants understand the proceedings. 65% 22% 8% 2% 1% 2% 3.493b. Providing written communications that are clear, thoroughand well reasoned.41% 17% 7% 3% 2% 30% 3.31Overall Communications 3.404. Demeanor:4a. Giving proceedings a sense of dignity. 64% 20% 9% 4% 3% 1% 3.394b. Treating parties with respect. 65% 17% 9% 4% 4% 1% 3.364c. Conducting his/her courtroom in a neutral manner. 58% 19% 10% 6% 5% 1% 3.194d. Consistently applying laws and rules. 55% 20% 10% 5% 4% 5% 3.23Overall Demeanor 3.295. Diligence:5a. Using good judgment in application of relevant law andrules.5b. Doing the necessary homework and being prepared forhis/her cases.5c. Being willing to handle cases on the docket even when theyare complicated and time consuming.52% 23% 11% 6% 4% 3% 3.1851% 22% 9% 4% 3% 11% 3.2853% 16% 7% 3% 2% 18% 3.38Overall Diligence 3.28Overall Average Grade:3.31Note: Respondents rated judges on various questions using an A to F scale, in which the grades were then converted to numericalscores: A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. An average score of 4.0 is the highest possible score and a 0.0 is the lowest possible score.2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report24

Survey of Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAll County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>sSample Size = 4309AverageGradeWould you say the judge is:Very biased in favor of the prosecutionSomewhat biased in favor of the prosecutionCompletely neutralSomewhat biased in favor of the defenseVery biased in favor of the defenseDon't know or not sure9%30%49%5%1%5%8. How strongly do you recommend that the <strong>Judge</strong> be retained in office, or not beretained in office?Percentages excluding undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retainTotal RetainTotal Not Retain70%16%7%7%86%14%Percentages including undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainUndecided or Don't KnowSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain66%15%5%6%7%Total Retain81%Undecided/Don't Know 5%Total Not Retain13%2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report25

Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAll County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>sSample Size = 9360 A B C D Fail DK/NAAverageGrade1. Demeanor:1a. Giving court proceedings a sense of dignity. 73% 17% 5% 2% 2% 1% 3.591b. Treating participants in the case politely and with respect. 77% 14% 4% 2% 2% 1% 3.611c. Conducting court in a neutral manner. 74% 15% 5% 2% 3% 1% 3.561d. Having a sense of compassion and human understandingfor those who appear before the court.70% 16% 5% 3% 4% 2% 3.482. Fairness:Overall Demeanor2a. Giving participants an opportunity to be heard. 75% 15% 4% 2% 3% 2% 3.602b. Treating those involved in the case without bias. 73% 14% 4% 2% 4% 2% 3.532c. Treating fairly people who represent themselves. 53% 10% 3% 2% 3% 29% 3.532d. Giving each side enough time to present his or her case. 72% 14% 4% 2% 3% 5% 3.603. Communications:Overall Fairness3a. Making sure participants understand the proceedings, andwhat is going on in the courtroom.77% 14% 4% 2% 2% 1% 3.643b. Using language that everyone can understand. 77% 16% 4% 1% 1% 1% 3.673c. Speaking clearly so everyone in the courtroom can hearwhat is being said.79% 14% 3% 1% 1% 1% 3.714. Diligence:Overall Communications4a. Beginning court on time 66% 20% 6% 3% 3% 3% 3.494b. Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings. 78% 14% 4% 1% 1% 2% 3.694c. Setting reasonable schedules for cases. 64% 16% 4% 2% 2% 13% 3.594d. Being prepared for cases. 72% 14% 4% 2% 2% 7% 3.624e. Managing court proceedings so that there is little wastedtime.68% 19% 6% 2% 2% 2% 3.525. Application of Law:Overall Diligence5a. Giving reasons for rulings. 66% 17% 5% 2% 3% 8% 3.515b. Willing to make decisions without regard to possibleoutside pressure.61% 12% 4% 2% 3% 18% 3.535c. Being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 67% 14% 4% 2% 4% 8% 3.52Overall Application of Law3.563.573.673.583.52Overall Average Grade:3.58Note: Respondents rated judges on various questions using an A to F scale, in which the grades were then converted to numericalscores: A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. An average score of 4.0 is the highest possible score and a 0.0 is the lowest possible score.2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report

Survey of Non-Attorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>sAll County Retention <strong>Judge</strong>sSample Size = 9360AverageGrade6. How biased do you think the <strong>Judge</strong> is toward the defense or prosecution?[Please see the questionnaire at the end ofreport for question wording.]Biased in favor of the prosecution totalCompetely neutralBiased in favor of the defense totalAverage12%82%6%0.157. How lenient or harsh do you think the sentences generally handed down by <strong>Judge</strong>are?[Please see the questionnaire at the end ofreport for question wording.]Harsh sentencing totalCompetely neutralLenient sentencing totalAverage12%78%10%0.1410. How strongly do you recommend that the <strong>Judge</strong> be retained or not retained inoffice?Percentages excluding undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retainTotal RetainTotal Not Retain84%8%3%5%92%8%Percentages including undecided/don't know responses.Strongly recommend retainSomewhat recommend retainUndecided or Don't KnowSomewhat recommend not retainStrongly recommend not retain77%7%8%2%5%Total Retain84%Undecided/Don't Know 8%Total Not Retain7%2012 Judicial Performance Survey Report

Questionnaires

Colorado Judicial PerformanceAttorneys Regarding Trial <strong>Judge</strong>s Survey Questions_Which of the following types of cases have you observed <strong>Judge</strong> (Last Name)’s performance? Please circleall that apply. (Only respondents who indicate they have observed the judge in “criminal other than traffic” cases will beasked question 2d and the “bias” question between 5 and 6.)Civil ..................................................................................................................... 1Criminal other than traffic .............................................................................. 2Traffic ................................................................................................................. 3Domestic ............................................................................................................ 4Juvenile ............................................................................................................... 5Probate ............................................................................................................... 6Other .................................................................................................................. 9Using a grade scale, where an "A" is excellent along with B, C, D or F for fail,please grade <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name] on the following. If, for a specific questionyou feel that you do not have enough information to grade the judge, pleasecheck DK/NA for Don't Know/Not Applicable.1. Case Management:a. Promptly issuing a decision on the case after trial. A B C D F DK/NAb. Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings. A B C D F DK/NAc. Promptly ruling on pre-trial motions. A B C D F DK/NAd. Setting reasonable schedules for cases. A B C D F DK/NA2. Application and Knowledge of Law:a. Being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. A B C D F DK/NAb. Basing decisions on evidence and arguments. A B C D F DK/NAc. Willing to reconsider error in fact or law. A B C D F DK/NAd. [Criminal only] Issuing consistent sentences whenthe circumstances are similar. A B C D F DK/NA3. Communications:a. Makings sure all participants understandthe proceedings. A B C D F DK/NAb. Providing written communications that areclear, thorough and well reasoned. A B C D F DK/NA4. Demeanor:a. Giving proceedings a sense of dignity. A B C D F DK/NAb. Treating participants with respect. A B C D F DK/NAc. Conducting his/her courtroom in a neutral manner. A B C D F DK/NAd. Consistently applying laws and rules. A B C D F DK/NA1

5. Diligence:a. Using good judgment in application of relevantlaw and rules. A B C D F DK/NAb. Doing the necessary “homework” and beingprepared for his/her cases. A B C D F DK/NAc. Being willing to handle cases on the docket evenwhen they are complicated and time consuming. A B C D F DK/NAHaving observed <strong>Judge</strong> (Last Name) in a criminal case, would you say the judge is: (This question is askedonly if respondent indicated at the beginning of the survey he/she observed the judge in a criminal case.)Very biased in favor of the prosecution ....................................................... 1Somewhat biased in favor of the prosecution ............................................. 2Completely Neutral .......................................................................................... 3Somewhat biased in favor of the defense ..................................................... 4Very biased in favor of the defense ............................................................... 5Don’t Know/Not Sure .................................................................................... 96. What would you say are <strong>Judge</strong> (Last Name)’s strengths?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________7. What would you say are <strong>Judge</strong> (Last Name)’s weaknesses?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8. Keeping in mind your responses to each of the previous questions, how strongly do you recommend that<strong>Judge</strong> (Last Name) be retained in office, or not be retained in office?Strongly recommend he be retained in office .............................................. 5Somewhat recommend he be retained in office .......................................... 4Undecided or don’t know enough to make recommendation .................. 3Somewhat recommend he not be retained in office ................................... 2Strongly recommend he not be retained in office ...................................... 12

9. And what would you say are <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name]’s weaknesses?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Commission on Judicial Performance10. Keeping in mind your responses to each of the previous questions, howstrongly do you recommend that <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name] be retained inoffice, or not retained in office?Strongly recommend he/she be retained in office ................................ 5Somewhat recommend he/she be retained in office ............................ 4Undecided or don’t know enough to make recommendation ............. 3Somewhat recommend he/she not be retained in office ..................... 2Strongly recommend he/she not be retained in office ......................... 1Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Please place itin the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided and place it in themail. Your participation in this survey is very much appreciated.Evaluation ofJUDGE [FULL NAME]If we have made a mistake and you either were not in <strong>Judge</strong> [LastName]’s courtroom or you feel that you do not have sufficientexperience with <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name] to have an opinion the judge’sjudicial performance, please just return this questionnaire, unanswered,in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, to stop any further requests toevaluate <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name].Using a grade scale, where an “A” is excellent along with B, C, D or F for fail,please grade the judge on the following. (If you feel that you don’t haveexperience with the judge in a specific area, or just don’t know, please circle thenumber corresponding to “Don’t Know/Not Applicable”—DK/NA).DK1. Demeanor: A B C D F N/Aa. Giving court proceedings a sense of dignity. 4 3 2 1 0 9b. Treating participants in the case politelyand with respect. 4 3 2 1 0 9c. Conducting his/her courtroom in a neutral manner. 4 3 2 1 0 9d. Having a sense of compassion and humanunderstanding for those who appearbefore him/her. 4 3 2 1 0 9Barcode

DK2. Fairness: A B C D F N/Aa. Giving participants an opportunity to be heard. 4 3 2 1 0 9b. Treating those involved in the case without bias. 4 3 2 1 0 9c. Treating fairly people who represent themselves. 4 3 2 1 0 9d. Giving each side enough time to present hisor her case. 4 3 2 1 0 9DK3. Communications: A B C D F N/Aa. Makings sure participants understand theproceedings, and what’s going on in thecourtroom. 4 3 2 1 0 9b. Using language that everyone can understand. 4 3 2 1 0 9c. Speaking clearly so everyone in the courtroomcan hear what’s being said. 4 3 2 1 0 9DK4. Diligence: A B C D F N/Aa. Beginning court on time. 4 3 2 1 0 9b. Maintaining appropriate control overproceedings. 4 3 2 1 0 9c. Setting reasonable schedules for cases. 4 3 2 1 0 9d. Being prepared for his/her cases. 4 3 2 1 0 9e. Managing court proceedings so that there islittle wasted time. 4 3 2 1 0 9DK5. Application of Law: A B C D F N/Aa. Giving reasons for rulings. 4 3 2 1 0 9b. Willing to make decision without regard topossible outside pressure. 4 3 2 1 0 9c. Being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 4 3 2 1 0 96. [If you were in [Last Name]’s courtroom during a criminal case orcases please answer this question, otherwise skip to the nextquestion.] On the scale below, please indicate by circling the appropriatenumber how biased you think <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name] is toward the defense orthe prosecution. If you feel <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name] is completely unbiased,circle “0.”Bias toward Completely Bias towardDefense Neutral Prosecution5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 57. [If you were in [Last Name]’s courtroom during a criminal case orcases please answer this question, otherwise skip to the nextquestion.] On the scale below, please indicate by circling the appropriatenumber how lenient or how harsh you think the sentences generally handeddown by [Last Name] are. If you feel <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name] generally handsdown appropriate sentences, circle “0.”Sentences Appropriate SentencesToo Light Sentences Too Harsh5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5Though your name will never be associated with your answers, because the judge willsee a typed transcript of the comments that you and others write, it is important thatyou do not include information in the comments below that would unintentionallyidentify you as the author.8. What would you say are <strong>Judge</strong> [Last Name]’s strengths?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Continued on Back Page