Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Peter W. Booth
Retention Year: 1994
Recommendation: Retain
After graduating from the Colorado College in 1965, Judge Peter Booth served with the United States Army in Vietnam. In 1971 Judge Booth graduated from the University of Michigan College of Law and was admitted in 1972 to the Colorado Bar. Judge Booth maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs until 1979 when he was appointed to the El Paso County Court. From 1982 to 1984, Judge was the Presiding County Court Judge. In 1991 he was elevated and appointed to the District Court in El Paso County.
The attorney respondents who answered questionnaires regarding Judge Booth rated retention as follows: 61.5% for retention; 26.2% against retention; and 12.3% no opinion on retention.
Among the attorneys, Judge Booth is perceived to be a person who works hard (82.7% felt he is diligent) and treats all parties equally (86.6% agree with this proposition). Additionally, 85% of the lawyers believe Judge Booth maintains control over his courtroom and presents an appropriate judicial demeanor. However, Judge Booth fell in his ratings concerning substantive aspects of his job. 6.6% of the attorneys felt he displayed appropriate knowledge of the law, while 70.4% agreed that he had proper knowledge of procedure and the law of evidence. Consistent with these ratings were his rating regarding the clarity of this rulings. 68.8% of attorneys polled believe Judge Booth issues clear written opinions, while 70.7% felt that his oral decision were understandable. In his interview before the Commission, Judge Booth acknowledged that he was not “quick to rule” because he tool all the matters before him very seriously because he want to give the appropriate amount of consideration and research that they deserve.
The Fourth Judicial Di