Second Judicial District - Denver County Court Judge
Honorable James B. Breese
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge James B. Breese BE RETAINED.
Judge Breese was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in February 1987. Prior to his appointment, Judge Breese was in private practice in Denver and served as a Clinical Professor of Law at both the University of Denver and the University of Colorado Schools of Law. Judge Breese received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1969 and his law degree from Northeastern University in 1973. During the current term, he has presided over criminal and general sessions matters.
Judge Breese continues to engage with his community through teaching at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, serving as a leader in the Marsh Inn of Court and taking on leadership roles with the Denver Bar Association. In 2008, Judge Breese served as the lead Court planner for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) held in Denver. In that capacity, he planned how the courts would handle mass arrests during the DNC.
The Commission reviewed the results of surveys of lawyers and non-lawyers who were familiar with Judge Breese’s work, interviewed the judge, and reviewed three written opinions. In addition, selected members of the Commission observed Judge Breese in court. Judge Breese continues to receive high praise from lawyers and non-lawyers. In the comment sections of the most recent surveys, he is described as respectful, polite, thorough, and knowledgeable about the law, a good listener and a great judge. Judge Breese communicates well and demonstrates a “great sense of humanity.” Among those familiar with his work, his reported strengths far outweighed any weaknesses.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 100% recommended to retain, 0% not to retain, and 0% expressed no opinion. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 93% recommended to retain, 2% not to retain, and 4% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 97% recommended to retain and 2% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)