Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Thomas L. Kennedy
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Thomas L. Kennedy BE RETAINED.
Judge Kennedy is a native of Colorado. He received a B.A. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 1971 with a major in political science; an M.A. from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, in 1976 with a major in sociology; and his law degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1982. Prior to his appointment to the bench in May 1999, Judge Kennedy was in private practice. Judge Kennedy presides over civil, criminal and domestic cases.
In making its decision to retain Judge Kennedy, the Commission considered surveys completed by attorneys and non-attorneys. Judge Kennedy also submitted a self-evaluation and participated in two separate interviews with the Commission. In addition, the Commission considered the opinions expressed at the public hearing held at the El Paso County courthouse on April 11, 2002. Finally, the Commission reviewed written letters and comments submitted subsequent to the public hearing by several interested parties.
The Commission recognizes that Judge Kennedy’s temperament and judicial demeanor have been publicly criticized. However, the Commission is persuaded by Judge Kennedy’s goals to make improvements in these two areas. It was also clear to the Commission that while Judge Kennedy had received much criticism, he also had significant support from members of the bar and public. As a result of the survey, Judge Kennedy received a high retention rating among attorneys of 89% for retention, 10% for non-retention and 1% having no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 84% recommended retention, 9% recommended non-retention and 8% had no opinion.