Colorado Court of Appeals
Honorable Laurie A. Booras
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The State Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Laurie A. Booras BE RETAINED.
Judge Booras was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals in 2009. She attained a B.A. in History from Cameron University in Oklahoma. Following her graduation from the University of Texas School of Law in 1982, she served five years as an Assistant District Attorney in Texas. In 1991, Judge Booras began working in the Appellate Division of the Colorado Attorney General in criminal law, and two years later was promoted to First Assistant Attorney General. She has been a frequent lecturer for Continuing Legal Education programs; served on the Colorado Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Criminal Procedure; acted as an advisory member of the Colorado District Attorney’s Council Legislative Subcommittee; and has participated in a number of judiciary committees related to sentencing laws and reform. She continues to present educational programs, judge law-related competitions at law school and high school levels, and serves as a volunteer instructor in trial advocacy for the Women’s Bar Association.
Attorneys responding to survey questions indicate that the performance of Judge Booras is strong in the areas of being courteous, fair and impartial. The responses of the attorneys indicate that the performance of Judge Booras in writing opinions is comparable to other Court of Appeals judges standing for retention. Several attorneys commented that she exhibits an attentive, down-to-earth demeanor during oral arguments and that her written opinions are clear, logical, and easy to understand. Courtroom observation by the Commission found that Judge Booras was respectful during oral argument and asked thoughtful questions. The Commission reviewed a number of opinions written by Judge
Booras and in general found them to be impartial, clear, and concise. While Judge Booras came to the bench with a background in criminal law, she is working hard to continue her development in other areas of the law. The responses of district judges and other appellate judges indicate that the performance of Judge Booras is comparable to the other judges in writing opinions and in being fair and impartial.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 68% recommended to retain, 12% not to retain, and 19% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 84% recommended to retain and 15% not to retain. Of all judges surveyed, 70% recommended to retain, 2% not to retain, and 28% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 97% recommended to retain and 3% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)