Eighteenth Judicial District - Douglas County Court Judge
Honorable James Steven Miller
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge James Steven Miller BE RETAINED.
Judge Miller received his doctorate in law degree from the University of Memphis in 1980 after earning a bachelor's degree in biology from Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, Pa.) in 1974 and a master's degree in science from the University of Memphis in 1977. He practiced law in Memphis, Fort Morgan and Denver, CO, until 1992.
He was appointed Douglas County Judge in November 1992, and his current judicial service totals nearly seven and one-half years. His cases are divided roughly as 80% misdemeanors, 10% felonies and 5% civil actions. He also handles District Court cases on assignment. Misdemeanor cases are split almost equally between domestic violence and major traffic offenses, including DUI. Prior to his appointment he was an attorney in private practice.
In surveys of non-attorneys, such as jurors, law enforcement officers, and court personnel, 83% recommended retention of Judge Miller, 9% did not, and 7% had no opinion. He received very good ratings for courtesy, impartiality and knowledge and application of the law. He was given good ratings also on diligence, communication skills and judicial temperament. Attorney surveys indicated 86% believe Judge Miller should be retained, 8% did not, while 5% had no opinion.