Second Judicial District - District - Juvenile Court Judge
Honorable Karen M. Ashby
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Karen M. Ashby BE RETAINED.
Judge Ashby was appointed to the Denver Juvenile Court bench in September 1998. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Ashby practiced in the Denver Trial Office of the Colorado State Public Defender for five years and was in private practice in Denver, specializing in criminal trials and appeals and in family law. Judge Ashby graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts and received her law degree from the University of Denver Law School in 1983. Judge Ashby hears all types of juvenile cases and presently serves as the presiding judge of the Denver Juvenile Court.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Ashby from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Ashby and conducted a personal interview with Judge Ashby.
Judge Ashby believes that it is important for her to be involved in the community in order for the juvenile justice and child welfare systems to be effective. Judge Ashby speaks to legal forums and civic groups about juvenile issues and meets with community leaders to encourage good relationships between the community and the juvenile courts. Judge Ashby strives to treat people fairly and with respect in her courtroom, so that they believe that the process was fair even if they did not prevail in the outcome. For recreation, Judge Ashby enjoys walking, playing golf and travelling.
Judge Ashby received high ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys in almost every category, particularly in the areas of being courteous; treating all parties equally; communicating clearly, thoroughly and in a well-reasoned manner; maintaining proper judicial temperament; correctly applying the law; and performing with diligence and efficiency. Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 100% recommended that Judge Ashby be retained in office, 0% recommended that she not be retained, and 0% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 82% recommended retention, 2% recommended non-retention, and 16% had no opinion.