Second Judicial District - Denver County Court Judge
Honorable Kerry S. Hada
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Kerry S. Hada BE RETAINED.
Judge Hada was appointed to the Denver County Court in December 2008. Prior to his appointment, he was an attorney in private practice. Judge Hada received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 1971, Master of Science from Colorado State University in 1976, and law degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 1988. Judge Hada engages in many community service activities. He is a frequent guest speaker at area middle and high schools and, as a former Army infantry officer, he devotes a great deal of time meeting with veterans’ groups. Judge Hada currently serves in the civil division.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with the judge, observed him on the bench, reviewed survey results of attorneys and non-attorneys who have appeared in his courtroom, and reviewed a self-evaluation and three transcripts of oral rulings submitted by the judge. Judge Hada received an overall combined average rating, which was below the average of all county judges standing for retention. The Commission notes that only 21 attorneys and 58 non-attorneys returned the questionnaires. Of the attorneys surveyed, he received below the average of all other county judges in all areas of application and knowledge of the law, communications, demeanor, and diligence. Of the non-attorneys surveyed, he received average scores in the area of communications, but below average scores in the application and knowledge of the law, demeanor, fairness, and diligence. Judge Hada received high marks for conducting his courtroom in a neutral manner from both attorneys and non-attorneys. Of concern to the Commission was the lack of legal basis
noted in the transcripts of his oral rulings to support his findings of facts and conclusions of law. Judge Hada has acknowledged that he has to expand his knowledge base in civil matters.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 77% recommended to retain, 24% not to retain, and 0% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 80% recommended to retain, 7% not to retain, and 13% were undecided or did not have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 92% recommended to retain and 8% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)