Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable John P. Leopold
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge John P. Leopold BE RETAINED.
Judge Leopold was appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial District (Arapahoe County District Court) bench on August 17, 1987. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Colby College, graduated from the University of Denver College of Law and was admitted to practice in 1974. Prior to his appointment to the District Court bench he was in private practice consisting of domestic relations, juvenile matters, criminal defense and the handling of smaller civil cases. Judge Leopold currently hears criminal cases, and in the past has heard civil, mental health, probate and juvenile matters.
The Commission reviewed Judge Leopold’s self-evaluation, conducted a personal interview with him and reviewed written evaluations from attorneys and non-attorneys including extracted verbatim comments. Finally, the Commission received direct comments from representatives of the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office and the Probation Department.
Judge Leopold is recognized as a serious, hard-working, careful and considerate jurist who has consistently received high ratings for courtesy, impartiality and clarity of both written and oral explanations of court procedures as well as legal opinions. He is also rated high in professional demeanor, efficiency in managing his docket and in listening patiently to testimony and oral arguments. Finally, he received high ratings for his preparation, punctuality and efficient use of court time and his willingness to provide reasonable access to the court. Ninety percent of both attorneys and non-attorneys "would retain" Judge Leopold in office, which is a commendable record.
Judge Leopold consistently demonstrates a high degree of sensitivity to litigants, to counsel, to his staff, to the purposes underlying our judicial system, the rights and interests of jurors and the importance of legal precedent and the rule of law.
Judge Leopold has served both the judiciary and his community in developing and participating in the mentor judge program while devoting substantial time fulfilling the special needs of his family.