Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Juanita L. Rice
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Juanita L. Rice BE RETAINED.
Judge Rice was appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Court on April 2000. Prior to appointment to the bench, she was a District Court Magistrate in the Eighteenth Judicial District. Judge Rice’s assignment is 80% domestic relations. Other assignments occasionally include juvenile and felony cases.
The Commission reviewed and considered written evaluations provided by attorneys and non-attorneys. Judge Rice provided a self-evaluation that provided thoughtful and helpful insight into her philosophy, performance, goals and skills. The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Rice.
Judge Rice expressed her sensitivity to her role and responsibility to those who appear before her and the citizens of this district. Additionally, she sees herself as a role model to young people. She engages herself with Girl Scouts and encourages students to visit her courtroom. Other activities include training Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers and guest lecturing at colleges and universities.
Judge Rice is rated highly for knowing and applying the law. While the non-attorney comments were overwhelmingly positive there were several who disagreed with her conclusions and decisions. Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 86% recommended that Judge Rice be retained in office, 10% recommended that she not be retained and 4% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 76% recommended retention, 16% recommended non-retention and 8% had no opinion.