Second Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Sheila A. Rappaport
Retention Year: 2008
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Second Judicial Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Sheila A. Rappaport BE RETAINED.
Background: Judge Rappaport was appointed to the Denver District Court bench in 2000. Prior to her appointment, Judge Rappaport was a chief deputy district attorney in the Denver District Attorney’s Office specializing in domestic violence cases. Previous judicial assignments have been Domestic Relations (July 2000 to January 2002); Criminal Division (January 2002 to January 2006); Civil Division (January 2006 to January 2008); Criminal Division (January to present). Judge Rappaport received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and her law degree from the University of Denver. Judge Rappaport has been involved and thinks it is important to be involved in community service. This includes: Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section; National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) instructor; Colorado Alliance for Cruelty Prevention; Probation Advisory Committee; Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center; Coach/Denver Bar High School Mock Trial Competition; Tutor/Denver Public Schools; Volunteer/St. Mary’s Academy and Volunteer/Max Fund Animal Shelter.
In assessing the overall performance of Judge Rappaport, the Commission reviewed written evaluations from attorneys and non-attorneys who appeared in her court. Their written verbatim comments, attached to the surveys, were also reviewed. She was also observed in court by the Commission and her written decisions and rulings were reviewed. The Commission considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Rappaport and conducted a personal interview with her.
Strengths: Judge Rappaport’s statistical ratings from attorneys were very high in the categories of “starting court on time” (case management) and “treating everyone politely and with respect” (demeanor). She received high ratings from non-attorneys in demeanor, fairness, communications, diligence and application of law.
Weaknesses: Judge Rappaport’s lowest judicial performance ratings, by attorneys, were in case management and the application and knowledge of law. Judge Rappaport found the attorney and non-attorney surveys important and helpful.
Recommendation: Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 77% recommended that Judge Rappaport be retained in office. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 97% recommended retention.