Seventh Judicial District - Montrose County Court Judge
Honorable John C. Davidson
Retention Year: 1992
Recommendation: Retain
The commission recommends retention of Judge John C. Davidson because of the support he has among those he encounters, indicating widespread satisfaction with his performance. Judge Davidson has done an excellent job in a small community where one might be expected to have conflicts because of close personal associations. Perhaps most importantly, he has a good understanding and appreciation for the community in which he works. Four more years as Montrose County Associate Judge are recommended. This opinion echoes a majority of the response from attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and others surveyed.
The few questionnaire response that were received indicated Judge Davidson has served his constituents well. Attorneys commented Judge Davidson has a grasp of both substantive and procedural law and treats the public with courtesy and respect. Although two litigant respondents did not recommend retention, the overwhelming majority of other responding, including attorneys, law enforcement personnel and courthouse personnel, would vote to retain Judge Davidson. Many respondents indicated he is fair and uses common sense. He is courteous to all parties appearing before the court and makes an extra effort to understand the case before him and explain his decision to the parties. One lawyer responding to a district commission generated questionnaire observed: “I believe it is fair to say that everyone leaves his courtroom whether victor or vanquished, satisfied that they were given a fair hearing and had their day in court.”
Judge Davidson is not a lawyer. He has attended law school and does stay abreast of the law by reading current cases. Judge Davidson says he enjoys the public service of being county judge. He says he likes plea agreements because they permit the defendant to plead guilty and take responsibility for his or her actions. He also prefers probation to jail sentences in appropriate cases. Judge Davidson feels one of his strengths is his ability and willingness to be a good listener. He also feels he is able to see each person as if for the first time, and important attribute since he serves in a small community. Providing some important education from the bench is a thing he is proud of doing since many persons in his court are uninformed about the legal system. Judge Davidson is considered to be the epitome of a Citizen Judge.
Judge Davidson sits as an associate County Judge in Nucla, a 20% time position he has held since 1981. Judge Davidson has also been the municipal court judge for Nutrita and Nucla since 1980. As a county judge, Judge Davidson’s docket includes criminal misdemeanors, petty offenses, and traffic offenses. He also presides over small claims and county civil court matters.
John C Davidson received his BA degree in 1966 from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas and attended Wasburn University School of Law from 1961 to 1962 and San Diego University School of Law from 1973 through 1974. Judge Davidson serves as Board Member and Consultant to the San Miguel Guest Ranch, a combination safe house and Alternatives Commission. Judge Davidson raised Limousin cattle on his ranch in Nucla. Previously, he was employed as a caseworker in the Social Services Departments of Montrose and Garfield Counties and a teacher in Kansas City, Kansas.
The 7th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge John C. Davidson be retained.