Second Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Catherine A. Lemon
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 Catherine A. Lemon BE RETAINED.
Judge Lemon was appointed to the Denver District Court bench in January 2004. Prior to her appointment, Judge Lemon practiced law for more than 20 years, the last 16 years at a private law firm in Denver in the area of business litigation. Judge Lemon received her undergraduate degree from Vassar College and graduated from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1982. Judge Lemon continues to demonstrate a commitment to community service.
The Commission reviewed survey results and comments from persons who have appeared in Judge Lemon’s courtroom including prosecuting and defense attorneys, and non-attorneys including jurors, probation officers, law enforcement officers, witnesses, and defendants. The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Lemon, and members of the Commission observed Judge Lemon in court. The Commission also reviewed several of Judge Lemon’s written opinions and her self-evaluation. Since her appointment, Judge Lemon has presided over domestic and civil cases. She now presides over criminal matters. Judge Lemon’s overall combined average ratings by both attorneys and non-attorneys exceeded the average combined rating of all district judges standing for retention. Judge Lemon received high scores on case management, judicial demeanor, and as being completely neutral in criminal matters. She is described as being able to get to the heart of complex, factual issues and legal concepts, as professional, and displaying fairness and respect to all parties in her courtroom. Judge Lemon is often described as smart, well-prepared, compassionate, and presenting a very positive judicial presence.
Of the 78 attorneys surveyed about retention, 82% recommended to retain, 11% not to retain, and 6% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 88% recommended to retain and 12% not to retain. Of the 277 non-attorneys surveyed, 92% recommended to retain, 2% not to retain, and 5% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 98% recommended to retain and 3% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.) In a survey of appellate judges, Judge Lemon received a higher rating than the average rating of all district judges standing for retention.