Porter, Curtis Lane 2022 Evaluation

Reports:

2022 Retention Survey Report (PDF)

2021 Interim Survey Report (PDF)

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The Fifteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously finds that the Honorable Curtis “Lane” Porter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 7 – 0. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

After conducting significant research on Judge Porter’s performance, the Commission finds that Judge Porter exceeds expectations in most areas. His dockets run smoothly and efficiently, he has a solid understanding and knowledge of the law, applies the law fairly and consistently, and he treats everyone who enters his courtroom with dignity and respect. The Commission notes that one area where Judge Porter could improve is how quickly he issues written orders. While his orders are well-written, organized, and thorough, they are often issued later than the parties expect. Judge Porter acknowledged that at times his orders are delayed due to complicated issues and taking time to thoroughly review the law before issuing his order. Judge Porter has demonstrated his willingness to work on improving in this area.

Prior to holding its vote, the Commission reviewed the self-evaluation and written opinions authored by Judge Porter; the 2021 Interim and 2022 Judicial Performance Survey results; comments from the District Attorney and Public Defender’s Offices; and also conducted courtroom observations and a personal interview with Judge Porter.  Based on 30 individuals who completed surveys, including both    attorneys (9) and non-attorneys (21), Judge Porter’s performance scores ranked higher than the scores for all County Judges in all areas, which include case management, application and knowledge of law, communications, demeanor, diligence and fairness. In comparing responses from the 2022 Survey to those from the 2021 Interim Survey, the Commission noted that scores in the areas of Communications and Demeanor had increased from the Interim Survey to the 2022 Performance Survey, while scores in the areas of Case Management, Application and Knowledge of the Law, Diligence, and Fairness had slightly decreased but remain higher than the average score for all County Court Judges across the state. When asked in the survey if Judge Porter meets judicial performance standards, 86% of the attorneys responded that Judge Porter does meet judicial performance standards with 14% having no opinion. Of the non-attorneys who were asked the same question, 94% responded that Judge Porter meets judicial performance standards and 6% responded that he does not meet performance standards.

Judge Porter was appointed to Prowers County Court on June 9, 2016. Prior to his appointment, Judge Porter served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Fifteenth Judicial District beginning in 2009. Judge Porter earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2005 and law degree from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 2008.