Eighth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Devin Rollin Odell
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighth Judicial Commission on Judicial Performance by a vote of 10-0 recommends that Judge Devin Rollin Odell BE RETAINED.
Judge Odell was appointed to the District Court on July 31, 2009. Judge Odell earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy from Yale University and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. Judge Odell clerked for the Alaska Supreme Court, worked for the Colorado State Attorney General’s Office, and had a private general practice prior to his appointment on the bench. His docket consists of civil, criminal and domestic cases.
The Commission reviewed evaluation surveys, letters submitted by individuals, and the judge’s self-evaluation and written opinions; performed courtroom observations; interviewed representatives of the District Attorney and Public Defender Offices; and conducted an interview with Judge Odell. Survey results for Judge Odell were generally positive. Respondents described him as fair, compassionate, and possessing a good understanding of the law. There were some concerns that Judge Odell leaned in favor of the defense in criminal sentencing. The Commission was impressed with his thoughtful responses to questions in the interview.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 81% recommended to retain, 14% not to retain, and 6% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 86% recommended to retain and 14% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 80% recommended to retain, 8% not to retain, and 12% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 90% recommended to retain and 9% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)