Nineteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Anita J. Crowther
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
*Insufficient responses to publish 2023 Interim Survey Report
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The Nineteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds by a vote of 7-0, with one commissioner abstaining, and 2 absent commissioners, that the Honorable Anita J. Crowther MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Anita Crowther oversees a split docket consisting of half domestic relations and half dependency and neglect cases. The Commission notes that Judge Crowther manages her courtroom with integrity and in an efficient manner while also appropriately showing understanding to the needs of those who may appear in her courtroom. She sees the importance in using plain, easy to understand language in her written orders to ensure effective communication of her decisions. The caseload Judge Crowther manages presents a challenge in the issuing of timely written orders. Judge Crowther is mindful that docket management is necessary to the application of the law. During the last year, Judge Crowther has attended 29 hours of continuing legal education primarily related to domestic relations and dependency and neglect to aid her legal knowledge.
To aid in the commission's decision, we evaluated written opinions Judge Crowther authored, conducted a personal interview with Judge Crowther, and reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who have appeared in front of her. Those surveyed were asked, "based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Crowther meets judicial performance standards?" 39 responded to the survey with an overall score of 2.8 out of 4.0 scale. Of the 23 attorneys responding to the surveys, 79% of attorneys believe that Judge Crowther meets performance standards,16% believe she does not meet performance standards, and 5% had no opinion. Of the 16 non-attorneys responding to the survey, 47% believe Judge Crowther meets performance standards, 40% believe she does not, and 13% had no opinion. Areas surveyed included: demeanor, fairness, communications, diligence, and application of the law.
Judge Anita Crowther earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and her law degree from the University of Toledo Law School. Judge Crowther was in private practice and has previously served as a prosecutor in Weld County and Adams County. Judge Crowther then served as a County Court Magistrate in Weld County for approximately three years before being appointed to the Weld County District Court on October 1, 2022. Judge Crowther enjoys mentoring high school students who are interested in pursuing law, as well as speaking with current law students who are considering work in the public sector. She serves as a board member to Weld County Legal Services. Judge Anita Crowther and her family reside in Weld County.