Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable James Madison Franklin
Retention Year: 1990
Recommendation: Retain
Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained.
Judge Franklin has served on the District Court bench since 1987 where he has handled a general District Court caseload including criminal, civil, and domestic cases. Prior to that time he served as a County Court Judge for El Paso County for three years. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley in 1969, Franklin attended law school at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1974. Before becoming named to the County Court bench, Franklin engaged in private practice and worked in the El Paso County District Attorney’s office.
Of those polled, including attorneys, litigants, jurors, law enforcement personnel, staff person and probation-social service workers, Franklin most supportive groups included staff, litigants and law enforcement.
Staff members remarked it is easy to talk with the judge and a pleasure to work with him. Litigants also unanimously voted for his retention. Law enforcement respondents believe Franklin treats defendants fairly. Franklin most critical reviews came from attorneys. A few negative remarks were found on review polls from jurors as well. Many believed the judge’s docket management is inefficient and delays were insufficiently explained to people not normally part of the judicial system. Further, many attorneys cited a lack of experience and knowledge in domestic relations cases.
By and large, Franklin received votes of confidence from the respondents. However, a significant number expressed concern over docket management and timeliness of decisions.