Fourth Judicial District - El Paso County Court Judge
Honorable James S. Patterson
Retention Year: 1994
Recommendation: Retain
Judge James S. Patterson was first appointed to the El Paso County Court as a County Court Judge in October 1991. Judge Patterson graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1971 with a B.A. Degree in Political Science. Three years later he graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in May of 1974 and was admitted to the Bar of the State of Colorado on October 16, 1974. From 1974 to 1981 Judge Patterson served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Fourth Judicial District. For the next ten years Judge Patterson maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs with an emphasis on criminal and civil litigation. In 1986 he was appointed as a part-time Colorado Springs Municipal Court Judge where he served until his appointment to the County Court bench.
Judge Patterson has received very high ratings among all groups that were polled. 86.5% of the attorneys voted to retain him. The small number responding jurors and courthouse personnel voted unanimously for retention. Judge Patterson received high ratings (above 90%) for his fairness (treats all parties equally), his knowledge of the substantive and procedural law, evidence, and promptness in his rulings. He received extremely high ratings (95%+) for his courtesy to the participants, his judicious demeanor, and his ability to maintain control in the courtroom.
Based upon all the information presented to the Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance it is the opinion of the Commission that Judge James S. Patterson BE RETAINED.