Colorado Judicial Institute Judicial Excellence Awards
In recognition and support of excellence in Colorado courts, the Colorado Judicial Institute annually acknowledges the efforts of three outstanding judges - one each for the district courts, county courts, and magistrates. The three Judicial Excellence Awards are presented at the Judicial Excellence for Colorado Dinner.
District Court Judge award nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Five years of experience on the district court bench
- An innovator who is creative in dealing with the processes within the courtroom
- Exemplifies the highest standards of judicial excellence throughout a distinguished career
- Displays extraordinary courage, energy and tenacity in the handling of high profile, controversial, or difficult cases
- Efficiently, expeditiously and objectively manages cases and dockets
- Recognized by members of the bar, litigants, court personnel, jurors, and others as respectful and even-handed, but in firm control of activities within the courtroom
County Court Judge award nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Five years of experience on the county court bench
- Efficiently, expeditiously and objectively manages cases and dockets
- Recognized by members of the bar, litigants, court personnel, jurors, and others as respectful and even-handed, but in firm control of activities within the courtroom
- Respected by, and has the confidence of, other judges, court staff, lawyers and others
Magistrate award nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Three years of full-time or part-time experience on the bench
- Explains the law in terms understood by everyone who appears in the courtroom
- Possesses a demeanor and attitude that makes the courts accessible to all
- Displays a high level of open communication
- Efficiently, expeditiously and objectively manages cases and dockets
- Respected by, and has the confidence of, other judges, court staff, lawyers and others
Nominations are solicited from justices, judges, magistrates, court staff, attorneys and others closely involved with the work of the court system. However, anyone can submit a nomination. The 2013 nomination period opened on March 6, 2013, and closed on May 2, 2013.
