Feldman, Ethan 2002 Evaluation

Reports:

2002 Retention Survey Report

The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Ethan Feldman BE RETAINED.

Judge Feldman was appointed to the bench in 1992. He received a B.A. in Russian studies in 1970 from Northwestern University. He attended the University of Denver Law School and graduated in 1974. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Feldman was in private practice specializing in criminal and domestic cases. Judge Feldman hears traffic, civil and misdemeanor cases. The majority of his cases are traffic.

The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Feldman from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Feldman and conducted a personal interview with him.

Judge Feldman currently serves on two Supreme Court committees that work on identifying ways to improve the court system. He is also the chairman for the Criminal Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association.

Judge Feldman was above average in every single category polled for both attorneys and non-attorneys. The categories included impartiality, courtroom demeanor, communication, docket control and applying the law. Comments included "always completely courteous – respects dignity of all people," "a patient and attentive listener" and "one of the best judges in the state." Ninety-two percent of attorneys and 91% of non-attorneys recommended retention; none of the attorneys and 2% of non-attorneys recommended non-retention; and 8% of the attorneys and 7% of the non-attorneys had no opinion.
At the interview, Judge Feldman was modest about his success on the bench. He said that he treated his position as judge as an opportunity to serve the public. Judge Feldman is an outstanding judge and should be retained.