Twelfth Judicial District - Conejos County Court Judge
Honorable Gordon J. Bosa
Retention Year: 2006
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2006 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
Need an accessible PDF Document version?
Please click on the link below and email our staff
The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Gordon J. Bosa BE RETAINED.
Judge Bosa is a graduate of Ohio University and the Ohio State University School of Law. He has served as the Conejos County Judge since 1980. As a County Judge, Judge Bosa hears criminal cases, civil cases under $15,000, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and restraining orders. The Conejos County judgeship is a part-time position. Judge Bosa has also been in private practice for 26 years, concentrating primarily in the areas of education law, personal injury and commercial litigation.
The Commission received a written self-evaluation, held four public hearings, and conducted both Courtroom observations and an interview of Judge Bosa. The Commission also reviewed the results of a professional survey of litigants, attorneys, and other professionals who have appeared before Judge Bosa. The results include written comments, an over-all statistical score, as well as statistical scores in five areas: case management, application and knowledge of law, communications, demeanor, and diligence. The results also contain the state-wide average scores for county court and trial court judges.
Judge Bosa’s 26 years on the Conejos County bench have given him a depth of experience in working with litigants, knowledge of the procedural and substantive law, and understanding the community which he serves. Judge Bosa takes particular care to insure that those who appear before him fully understand their rights and the court process. Judge Bosa is noted for his integrity and firmness on the bench.
Judge Bosa received the grade equivalent of “B” from attorneys responding to the survey both over-all and in each of the five survey categories. He received his highest scores from attorneys for maintaining appropriate control over the courtroom, making decisions without regard to possible criticism, and making decisions without fear of being appealed. Judge Bosa received his other high scores for treating unrepresented parties fairly, and being able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 76% of the attorneys responding to the survey recommended that Judge Bosa be retained.
Judge Bosa also received the grade equivalent of “B” over-all and in each of the five categories from non-attorneys responding to the survey. Non-attorneys scored Judge Bosa highest for his communication skills. For example, using language that everyone can understand and making sure participants understand the proceedings and what is going on in the courtroom. Other high marks of note from non-attorneys included giving the courtroom proceedings a sense of dignity, giving each side enough time to present their case, and being prepared for Court. 81% of the non-attorneys responding to the survey recommended that Judge Bosa be retained.