Twenty-First Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Nicholas R. Massaro Jr.
Retention Year: 1996
Recommendation: Retain
Considering all the data collected from the evaluations, the interviewing process, and observations of his courtroom, the Commission unanimously recommends that Judge Nicholas Massaro, Jr. BE RETAINED.
Judge Nicholas Massaro, Jr. did his undergraduate studies at Colorado State University, and attended the University of Colorado School of law. Upon graduation, he served as a Public Defender from 1977 to 1982, and then entered private practice until 1988. In 1988, he was appointed District Court Judge.
Evaluations of attorneys, law enforcement, jurors and court personnel rated Judge Massaro as fair; knowledgeable, ruling promptly on motions and on settlements; treating all parties equally; giving clear and prompt decisions and rulings; and showing compassion. The written comments were also favorable. Examples of comments are: “Judge Massaro runs an effective courtroom”, “He has a very good judicial Demeanor”, “Probably the best District Court Judge in this jurisdiction”, and “Judge Massaro is the example that all judges should follow.” Some attorneys did comment that Judge Massaro at times exhibited moodiness and that certain attorneys may bear the brunt of this moodiness.
As part of the evaluation process, the Judicial Performance Commission interviewed Judge Massaro and found him to be very articulate, modes, intelligent and compassionate. He explained why at times he may appear as moody and that he is working on improving that impression. Judge Massaro feels his strength is being fair and he hopes that those individuals who appear in his courtroom feel that they are treated fairly.
Judge Massaro is very receptive to change. He is much harder on himself than on others and he continually seeks ways to improve both his courtroom and himself. Judge Massaro wats to continue as District Court Judge. This Commission feels that Judge Massaro has done an excellent job of maintaining an efficient, humane and fair courtroom, and that he is doing an outstanding job as District Court Judge.