Ninth Judicial District - Rio Blanco County Court Judge
Honorable Laurie A. Noble
Retention Year: 2006
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Laurie A. Noble BE RETAINED.
Judge Noble was appointed part-time Rio Blanco County Court Judge for Rangely in July of 1992, and served in that position until 2004, when the part-time positions for the Rangely and Meeker courts were merged. She continues to serve in that capacity. Prior to 1992, Judge Noble was in private practice, restricting her practice to insurance defense and appellate work.
Judge Noble is applying to be a foster parent “to provide a safe and loving refuge to at-risk children”. Other community services mentioned by the Judge involve her volunteering for school activities and charitable nonpolitical fundraisers.
The Commission reviewed surveys from lawyers, defendants, plaintiffs, court staff, jurors, law enforcement, and a parole officer. The Commission also reviewed caseload data, Judge Noble’s self-evaluation, courtroom observations and interviewed her in person.
Judge Noble describes her judicial philosophy as one of treating all participants in her court with respect and courtesy, in order to foster “respect for the law instead of contempt for the system”. The surveys indicate that she is succeeding in this endeavor. Attorneys rated her slightly below the composite averages on issuing post trial decisions promptly. She is working on taking less time with research in order to reduce the time taken to render decisions. Judge Noble received exceptionally high grades in Overall Communications, Overall Demeanor and Overall Case Management.
Of the attorneys responding, 100% strongly recommended retention, while 93% of the non-attorneys recommended retention, both of which are significantly higher than average for other county judges.
The Commission recognizes that Judge Noble has a reputation for treating people fairly and with respect; that she is doing an excellent job and that Rio Blanco County is very fortunate to have her as their County Judge. The Commission voted unanimously that she BE RETAINED.