Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Thomas Kelly Kane
Retention Year: 2008
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a unanimous vote that Judge Thomas Kelly Kane BE RETAINED.
Background: Judge Kane was born and raised in Colorado Springs. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 1974 and his law degree from the same University in 1977. Judge Kane was appointed to the El Paso County District Court in September 1994. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Kane worked as an attorney in private practice in Colorado Springs specializing in insurance defense litigation. Judge Kane is currently presiding over a combined civil and domestic docket. Judge Kane believes the role of a judge is one of service, both to the attorneys and parties that appear before him and also to the larger community. He takes this role very seriously, frequently speaking to members of the legal profession, service clubs and students regarding his experience as a judge and the important role the legal system plays in our community.
Strengths: Judge Kane received above-average ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys with respect to his communication skills and courtroom demeanor. Judge Kane also received high marks for his diligence, case management skills, and overall knowledge of the law. Judge Kane was viewed as a conscientious, reflective jurist, who works hard to provide the public with prompt, well reasoned decisions.
Weaknesses: Judge Kane is working to improve the clarity of his legal opinions and challenging himself to stay current on all developing law. He has adopted a number of creative procedures to assist him with both of these goals, and reports that he believes his knowledge of the law and clarity of opinions have improved as a consequence.
Recommendation: In making its recommendation, the Commission considered the results of surveys from attorneys and non-attorneys, a self-evaluation by the judge, courtroom observations, written decisions and orders and an interview with Judge Kane before the commission. Eighty-nine percent of the attorneys and 84% of the non attorneys surveyed strongly recommended that Judge Kane be retained. Overall, 98% of the attorneys and 94% of the non attorneys surveyed supported his retention.