Judicial Institute Announces Recipients of 2010 Excellence Awards
Ruckriegle, Reed and Dupree to be recognized for commitment, innovation and service
The Colorado Judicial Institute is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 CJI Judicial Excellence Awards. The three recipients are: Judge W. Terry Ruckriegle, Judge Thomas (Tom) J.B. Reed, and Magistrate Diane Dupree.
Judge Ruckriegle, Chief Judge in the 5th Judicial District (Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake and Summit Counties) is the honoree in the District Court Category. Judge Ruckreigle was appointed to the District Court in August 1984 and has presided as Chief Judge since 1994. Judge Ruckriegle is being recognized for his dedication, innovation, volunteerism and leadership. Included among his many volunteer activities is serving on the Board of Governors and Legislative Policy Committee of the Colorado Bar Association, as the Chief Judges Council liaison for the Division of Planning and Analysis, past president of the Colorado District Judges Association and Colorado Trial Judges Council and on the Board of Directors of the National Judicial College and Colorado Bar Continuing Legal Education Board.
The honoree in the County Court Category is Judge Tom Reed of the Boulder County Court. Following a career in private practice and the Colorado State Public Defenders Office, Judge Reed was appointed Boulder County Judge in 1985 by Governor Richard Lamm. He has served as President of the Colorado County Judges Association in 1999/2000, and was one of two original county judges in Boulder County’s DUI Integrated Treatment Court— a specialized treatment court for third and greater DUI offenders. Judge Reed is being honored for his innovative practices, dedication and exemplary judicial demeanor.
The 2010 outstanding Magistrate is Diane Dupree of the 2nd Judicial District (Denver County). Magistrate Dupree was appointed to the bench in 1999 following a career in private practice. She oversees a heavy and complex docket in the domestic court, handling frequently contentious post-divorce decree matters. Magistrate Dupree serves on the Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee on Child Custody, with the Women’s Law Caucus and is a frequent lecturer in family law topics. She is being recognized for her long-time commitment to child welfare, her innovation in dealing with difficulties, treating all in her court with dignity and respect, and her appreciation of the changing circumstances that can impact peoples’ lives and relationships.
CJI will also present the Distinguished Judicial Leadership Award to retiring Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey. Justice Mullarkey has provided outstanding leadership to the Colorado judiciary, overseeing the implementation of technology, encouraging innovation throughout the system, creating a working relationship with the Colorado Legislature, and supporting public education about the judiciary.
The 2010 Judicial Excellence Awards will be presented at the Eighth Annual Judicial Excellence for Colorado Dinner on Thursday, November 18th. The dinner will begin at 6:00pm at the Denver Marriott City Center Hotel. Ticket and sponsorship information is available at www.ColoradoJudicialInstitute.org or 303-766-7501.
Colorado Judicial Institute Judicial Excellence Award Program
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 Dinners.
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 2010 Judicial Excellence Awards nomination period closed on May 12. The 2011 nomination period will open in March 2011.
