First Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Kenneth E. Barnhill
Retention Year: 1990
Recommendation: Retain
Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained.
Judge Barnhill was appointed to the district court in March 1987. He practiced law privately for 34 years in the areas of natural resources, corporate, and domestic relations law prior to this appointment. He has been actively involved with the Colorado Bar Association’s Ethics Committee, the Colorado Judicial Discipline Commission, and the Supreme Court Grievance Committee. Barnhill presides over criminal and civil cases. He hears domestic relations cases and appeals from county courts.
All the groups rate Barnhill substantially above average. He is praised for this thoughtfulness and his display of understanding to all those in his courtroom.
He displays a sense of humanity, concerns and caring. In comparison to other crimes, he is particularly tough on white-collar criminals and drug dealers.