Second Judicial District - Denver County Court Judge
Honorable Robert L. Patterson
Retention Year: 1996
Recommendation: Retain
The Judicial Performance Commission of the Second Judicial District that Judge Patterson BE RETAINED.
Judge Robert L. Patterson has an undergraduate degree in sociology from Colorado State University and obtained his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1974. Judge Patterson was appointed to the Denver County Court in August 1985. Prior to his appointment, Judge Patterson was a staff attorney for the Denver Legal Aid Society, then served as deputy public defender from 1976 to 1981, and assistant Colorado attorney general from 1981 to 1985.
Judge Patterson presently hears municipal ordinance, traffic, general sessions and juvenile cases. Previous assignments include the civil division, state criminal division, and domestic violence division.
Judge Patterson received good ratings in most categories proved by attorney and jurors. Based on the information supplied to the Commission and in personal interviews, Judge Patterson is above average in the following areas: courtroom control, prompt rulings and decisions, and fair sentencing. Attorneys rated Judge Patterson favorably in the areas of displays a sense of justice, treating all parties equally, handling motions, giving clear written decisions and settling cases. Jurors rated Judge Patterson highly in areas of appropriate demeanor, displaying compassion, clearly explaining juror duties and the proceedings. Judge Patterson reacted favorably to the concern that his communication skills with litigants needed improvement due in part to the challenge of the heavy docket in his courtroom. He is striving to address this concern by changing the scheduling priorities in his courtroom, allowing more time to listen patiently and give clear oral rulings.
Written survey results showed that 61.8% of attorneys and 87.5% of jurors favored retention; 32.4% of attorneys favored non-retention; and 5.9% of attorneys and 12.5% of jurors had no opinion.