First Judicial District - Gilpin County Court Judge
Honorable Frederic B. Rodgers
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Frederic B. Rodgers BE RETAINED.
Judge Rodgers was appointed to the County Court in 1986. Prior to this appointment, he served as a part-time municipal judge, an attorney in private practice and as a magistrate in Denver Juvenile Court. As a County Court judge, he has also been authorized by the Supreme Court to hear district court cases, which consist of approximately 20% of his docket. Judge Rodgers hears primarily criminal cases including misdemeanors, felonies and traffic offenses. He also presides over family law matters including juvenile cases, dissolution of marriage and probate.
The Commission is impressed with Judge Rodgers’ community service activities. He also serves as a member of the faculty of the National Judicial College and is invited to give talks to legal and judicial groups in Colorado and around the country.
While the majority of the comments on the survey were favorable, the Commission is concerned about complaints of Judge Rodgers’ lack of people skills. The judge is aware from his self-survey that he needs to continue to work on staying relaxed and patient, and avoid appearing haughty. He is to be commended for conducting a dignified and efficient courtroom.
Of the attorneys surveyed, 61% favored retention, 28% favored non-retention and 11% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys surveyed, 71% favored retention, 14% favored non-retention and 14% had no opinion. It should be noted that the following groups were not surveyed: law enforcement, social service caseworkers and guardians ad litem. The Commission placed significant emphasis on the positive comments at the public hearing and the interview with the judge.