Seventeenth Judicial District - Adams County Court Judge
Honorable Michael A. Cox
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The Seventeenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Michael A. Cox BE RETAINED.
Judge Cox was appointed to the Adams County Court bench in January 1995. Prior to his appointment, Judge Cox was engaged in a general private practice and has enjoyed handling all types of cases. Judge Cox received his undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and his law degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 1979. Judge Cox presently hears criminal cases. For recreation, he participates in horse related shows and events with his daughter and wife.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Cox from both attorneys and non-attorneys, including written comments that expounded on the evaluator’s experiences with the judge. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Cox and conducted a personal interview with him.
Judge Cox loves his job and commented that he took seriously the criticism contained in the evaluation questionnaires. In dealing with various comments referencing his fast talking style, Judge Cox has instituted a method in his courtroom to remind him to slow his speech when explaining the law or otherwise communicating with the public in his courtroom. He asserts that this method has assisted him in being more aware of his speaking style, and he has modified his speed when necessary.
Judge Cox received high ratings in most every category from both attorneys and non-attorneys, but especially from non-attorneys. There was a minor concern by attorneys of Judge Cox’s courtesy toward parties and witnesses and a concern by non-attorneys of his courtesy toward attorneys. The Commission feels that Judge Cox is aware of the comments and will adjust his demeanor accordingly.
Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaires, 80% recommended that Judge Cox be retained, 18% recommended he not be retained and 2% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaires, 90% recommended that he be retained, 2% recommended that he not be retained and 8% had no opinion.