Brinkley, Stanley 2004 Evaluation

Reports:

2004 Retention Survey Report 

The Fifteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Stanley A. Brinkley BE RETAINED.

Judge Brinkley was appointed to the District Court bench for the Fifteenth Judicial District on October 16, 2001. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Brinkley was in private practice in Lamar, Colorado specializing in general civil and criminal litigation with additional work and experience in real estate transactions and probate matters. Judge Brinkley received his undergraduate degree from Adams State College and his law degree from University of Wyoming. Judge Brinkley presides over civil, criminal, child welfare, probate and various other types of cases as a district court judge for the Fifteenth Judicial District.

The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Brinkley from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbal comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also received numerous written comments from the public which commended Judge Brinkley for the dedication, skills and integrity he brings to the position of district court judge. The Commission considered a written self-evaluation of Judge Brinkley and conducted a personal interview of Judge Brinkley who was very candid and open with the Commission.

Judge Brinkley has a high respect for the judicial system, and he strives to and does perform the tasks of a district court judge with the honor and attention the position of district court judge requires. Judge Brinkley understands that he must maintain firm control over the courtroom while at the same time balancing the need for control with the respect and courtesy he shows to litigants, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors.

Judge Brinkley understands and effectively implements his strengths as a judge and excels above other Colorado district court judges because of this. Despite being in the position for only 2 years, Judge Brinkley has an immense grasp of the job of district court judge. He also understands and improves upon any weaknesses which he or others identify.

Judge Brinkley scored above other district court judges statewide in all but one sub-category. The areas in which Judge Brinkley scored above other district court judges considered for retention at this time include case management, application and knowledge of the law, communication, demeanor, diligence, lack of bias, balancing leniency with harshness, promptness in rulings and proceedings, maintaining appropriate control over proceedings, applying the law, knowledge of procedures and rules, his ability to identify and analyze facts, and like categories. Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 100% recommended Judge Brinkley be retained. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 92% recommended Judge Brinkley be retained.

The Commission recommends Judge Brinkley for retention in greatest part because the information received and studied revealed Judge Brinkley to be honest, fair and hardworking, and because Judge Brinkley succeeds in looking out for the rights of individuals and promoting justice.