Colorado Court of Appeals
Honorable Robert J. Kapelke
Retention Year: 1996
Recommendation: Retain
The State Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Robert J. Kapelke BE RETAINED.
Judge Kapelke was admitted to the Bar of Colorado in 1966. He was a law clerk to the Honorable Alfred A. Arraj of the Unites States District Court for the District of Colorado for one year. Judge Kapelke was in the private practice of law in Denver until his appointment to the Colorado Court of Appeals in November, 1993.
Judge Kapelke hs been actively involved in a wide range of civic, community an bar association activities. He has devoted time to teaching in legal and judicial education programs. Judge Kapelke hs ben involved in the “We the People” program in Denver schools that teaches students about our legal system.
Judge Kapelke indicated that one of this goals is to increase his efficiency as a judge by becoming more knowledgeable in criminal and worker’s compensation law. The opinions he has authored were viewed by the Stat Commission as being concise, well-reasoned and easily understood. The Commission believes that Judge Kapelke is a very valuable addition to the Colorado Court of Appeals.
Attorney questionnaires received by the State Commission rate Judge Kapelke highly overall. He received high marks for integrity, equal treatment of all persons, his knowledge of law and procedure and his attentiveness and patience during oral arguments. Of the responses received from attorney, 83.3% voted to retain Judge Kapelke, 8.3% had no opinion and 8.3% voted to not retain Judge Kapelke.