Tenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable James H. Frasher Jr.
Retention Year: 1998
Recommendation: Retain
The Tenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge James H. Frasher, Jr. BE RETAINED.
Judge Frasher was appointed to the Pueblo County Court Bench on February 28, 1992 and was appointed to serve on the District Court Bench on September 21, 1995. Judge Frasher presides over civil, domestic relations, criminal, juvenile and probate cases.
Courthouse personnel, attorneys, litigants, law enforcement officials, crime victims and juror questionnaires received by the Commission rate Judge Frasher highly, overall. Judge Frasher received high marks for his equal treatment of parties regardless of race, gender or age. His professional demeanor, dignified manner in conducting court proceedings, his management of the court docket, his preparation and knowledge of the court rules were highly commended. Of those responding, 81% of the attorneys, 95.8% of the court personnel, 100% of the litigants, 83.3% of law enforcement officials, 100% of crime victims and 81% of jurors recommended that Judge Frasher be retained.
The Commission held a public hearing and conducted personal interviews with members of the District Attorney's office, Public Defender's office, law enforcement officials, the Department of Social Services, Pueblo County Bar Association, Pikes Peak-Arkansas River Legal Services for the Poor, the Probation Department and court personnel. Judge Frasher received high marks for his intelligence, fairness, courtroom management, preparation, organization and efficiency. Some concerns were expressed about Judge Frasher's decisions in particular cases. Others expressed concern about his appearance of arrogance, impatience and lack of sensitivity for parties without lawyers.
In our interview of Judge Frasher, we found him to be confident of his work and he displayed a high sense of control and positive attitude towards his position. He acknowledged that he is working on being more sensitive to the concerns expressed about him.