Seventeenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Harlan R. Bockman
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Seventeenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Harlan R. Bockman BE RETAINED.
Judge Bockman is the Chief Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial District. He was appointed to the District Court bench in October 1976. Prior to his appointment to the judgeship, he was the Assistant District Attorney in Adams County.
Judge Bockman has heard criminal, civil, domestic and juvenile cases during his tenure. His preference is criminal or civil matters. He takes pride in his knowledge of rules of evidence and laws pertaining to sentencing. He is highly respected by his fellow judges and is considered a mentor because of his disciplined study of law and the fact that he keeps current on matters relating to law.
Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 84% recommended that Judge Bockman be retained, 9% recommended he not be retained and 7% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 86% recommended that Judge Bockman be retained, 5% recommended he not be retained and 9% had no opinion.
Judge Bockman’s average rating by attorney respondents equaled or exceeded the average rating for other district judges in 23 out of 25 categories. Judge Bockman’s average rating by non-attorney respondents equaled or exceeded the average rating for other district judges in 12 out of 20 categories. Judge Bockman received especially high ratings for his impartial treatment of all parties, regardless of age, sex, race or other considerations. While all his ratings were very high, Judge Bockman received slightly lower (approximately 1/10th of one point) ratings in the area of demonstrating courtesy for attorneys and pro se litigants when compared to his other ratings. Even these comparatively lower ratings were still very high. During his interview Judge Bockman demonstrated sincere concern about any perception of impatience on his part and indicated that he will continue to strive to improve the excellent reputation that he currently enjoys.