Ninth Judicial District - Rio Blanco County Court Judge
Honorable Laurie A. Noble
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Laurie Noble BE RETAINED, with one Commissioner absent.
Judge Noble was appointed part-time Rio Blanco County Court Judge for Rangely in July 1992 and part-time Rio Blanco County Court Judge for Meeker in 2005. She continues to hold both positions. Prior to her appointments to the bench, she was in private practice, focusing on insurance defense and appellate work. She says she works closely with the community’s youth in various fund-raising activities, including the Relay for Life, and also helps with the middle school reading program. It was noted that her participation in and understanding of the community is reflected in her understanding of the personalities that come before her.
The Commission reviewed survey data from a cross-section of respondents: court staff, law enforcement employees, jurors, litigants, and lawyers. The Commission reviewed Judge Noble’s caseload data, her self-evaluation and three opinions written and issued by her. Some Commission members observed her in court. Lastly, the Commission conducted a personal interview.
Attorneys and non-attorneys rated Judge Noble’s judicial performance above average. Both groups commented that she is fair, compassionate, dedicated, courteous, approachable, conscientious, respectful, willing to listen, and maintains control of her court. Some in the survey criticized her for a slight bias for the prosecution. Members of the Commission found her written opinions carefully thought out, legally substantive, and clear. All agreed she is a valued and valuable representative of the judiciary.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 80% recommended to retain, 10% not to retain, and 10% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 89% recommended to retain and 11% not to retain. Of all non-attorney surveyed, 81% recommended to retain, 14% not to retain, and 6% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 85% recommended to retain and 15% not to retain. (These percentages might not total 100% due to rounding.)