Ninth Judicial District - Garfield County Court Judge
Honorable Stephen L. Carter
Retention Year: 1998
Recommendation: Retain
The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Stephen L. Carter BE RETAINED.
Judge Carter has served as Associate County Judge for Garfield County in Rifle for 26 years. The various categories responding to questionnaires returned to the Commission on Judicial Performance recommended the retention of Judge Carter.
The written comments about Judge Carter were varied without a strong or distinct pattern. These were discussed in detail with Judge Carter by the Commission. The Respondents scoring was also mixed but overall positive.
One important and significant part of Judge Carter's duties has not attracted the attention it deserves, either in the community or in the analysis or reports made for the use of the Commission. Judge Carter serves as Acting District Judge for juvenile delinquency cases in Garfield County. As such, Judge Carter handles the great majority of juvenile delinquency cases.
The Commission believes that in this demanding function, Judge Carter has demonstrated superior qualities - particularly compassion and patience, and that his service has been commendable.
Percentage rates for the retention of Judge Carter are: Attorneys 90.5%, Court Personnel 91.7%, Law Enforcement Personnel 93.9%, Jurors 85.7%, and Litigants 71.4%.
The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Stephen L. Carter be retained in office.