Second Judicial District - Denver County Court Judge
Honorable James B. Breese
Retention Year: 1994
Recommendation: Retain
Judge James B. Breese received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 1969 and his law degree from Northeastern University in 1973. Judge Breese was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in 1987. Since March 1992, Judge Breese has been assigned to the general sessions court, which hears criminal cases involving violation of Denver city ordinances. From April to September 1987, Judge Breese was assigned to traffic court, and from September 1987 to March 1992 Judge Breese heard misdemeanor cases.
Prior to his appointment to the County Court bench, Judge Breese was a general practitioner in private practice for nine years, with an emphasis on criminal defense. He also served as a clinical education supervisor at the University of Denver Law School for one year, as associate clinical professor of law at the University of Colorado School of Law for three years and as an adjunct associate professor of law at the University of Colorado School of Law for one year.
Based upon a personal interview, review of written evaluations and courtroom observation, the Commission found that Judge Breese is a very hard-working, diligent, attentive, respectful, courteous, thoughtful, fair-minded judge. Judge Breese provides parties (many of whom are not represented by attorneys) speedy and efficient judicial process, and explains the reasons for his decisions. Judge Breese’s docket is heavy, and he works hard to keep the docket moving. Judge Breese speaks to parties and their attorneys in language easily understood and carefully and thoroughly explains various aspects of what is happening in their case and obtains critical information about the parties, especially the defendants, and the facts in the case. He also works to give jurors and courtroom visitors a thorough sense of what is happening in court and why.
Judge Breese received generally high ratings in all areas from attorneys and courthouse personnel. Judge Breese received very high ratings in all areas, particularly displaying a sense of justice, treating all parties equally, displaying knowledge of law, evidence and procedure, clarity of written and oral decisions, appropriateness of demeanor, maintenance of courtroom control, courteousness, diligence, promptness of rulings and decisions, and fairness of sentences.
Judge Breese works to impose sentences which will have an impact upon, and will assist in the rehabilitation of defendants. Judge Breese is active in increasing the use of computers in the county courts.
The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Breese BE RETAINED.