Colorado Court of Appeals
Honorable Russell E. Carparelli
Retention Year: 2006
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The State Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of 10 to 0 that Judge Russell E. Carparelli BE RETAINED.
Background: Judge Carparelli was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals in 2002. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and from the University of Denver College of Law. He also received a Master of Laws degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Before his appointment to the Court, Judge Carparelli served as a prosecutor, criminal defense counsel, trial judge, and appellate judge in the military. After military service, he spent 12 years in the private practice of law. His community interests have included serving as Chairman of the Highlands Ranch Historic Mansion Vision Committee and Director of Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District 2.
Strengths: Attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Judge Carparelli above the survey average for: (1) being fair and impartial toward both sides of the case, (2) writing opinions that are clear, (3) writing opinions that adequately explain the basis of the Court's decision, (4) making reasoned decisions based upon the law and facts, (5) refraining from reaching issues that need not be decided, and (6) being prepared for oral argument. Attorneys ratedJudge Carparelli at about the survey average as other Court of Appeals judges for: (1) allowing parties to present their arguments and answer questions and (2) being courteous toward attorneys.
The Commission also reviewed various opinions that Judge Carparelli wrote. His opinions appeared to be generally well-reasoned, clearly written, and adhered closely to precedent as well as to constitutional and statutory law.
Weaknesses: Commissioners noted some occasional abruptness by the judge during oral argument.
Recommendation: 86% of attorneys surveyed and 90% of judges surveyed strongly recommended that Judge Carparelli be retained in office. Overall, 93% of attorneys and 98% of judges supported his retention.
The Commission unanimously recommends that Judge Carparelli be retained.