Twelfth Judicial District - Conejos County Court Judge
Honorable Gordon J. Bosa
Retention Year: 1994
Recommendation: Retain
Judge Bosa has been the Conejos County Judge since 1980. He also maintains a part-time private civil practice. Judge Bosa’s law degree was awarded from Ohio State University in 1978, and he served as Deputy District Attorney in the District prior to his appointment to the bench.
Judge Bosa received generally high ratings from the sampling of written surveys, particularly from law enforcement and attorneys. Although he didn’t fill out a written self-evaluation, his responses at the time of interview were candid and helpful in all areas addressed by the Commission. Judge Bosa appears to be knowledgeable and displays an overall sense of justice in his management of the courtroom an decision making.
The most significant area of public criticism relates to his judicial demeanor, which at times is experienced as lacking in emotional temperance, patience and courtesy. Judge Bosa acknowledges a tendency to become harsh in the face of repeat non-compliance by defendants, but feels that the community needs to know what behaviors are unacceptable. In terms of docket management, he noted that he is working on improving punctuality of proceedings, related both to his own schedule and that of the criminal bar. He also needs a better system of anticipating judicial conflict of interest in civil matters. He seems open to suggestions for improvement.
The 12th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Gordon Bosa BE RETAINED.