Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Robert H. Russell II
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Robert H. Russell II BE RETAINED.
Judge Russell received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1975 while serving in the U.S. Air Force, from which he retired in August 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1963.
He was appointed District Judge in August 1998. Prior to that appointment, he served in Arapahoe County Court from June 1989. His initial appointment to the bench was as an Arapahoe County Magistrate in October 1985, after serving in the Arapahoe County District Attorney's office and in private practice. His current judicial service thus totals nearly 15 years. His current caseload consists of criminal and civil adjudication, but he also serves in the Domestic Relations division, an area of specialization that derives from his pre-law experience and undergraduate degrees. He wishes to work with the Family Court Project.
In surveys of non-attorneys, such as jurors, law enforcement officers, and court personnel, 82% recommended retention of Judge Russell, 3% did not, and 15% had no opinion. He received very good ratings for courtesy, impartiality and knowledge and application of the law. He was given very good ratings also on diligence, communication skills and judicial temperament. Attorney surveys indicated 91% believe Judge Russell should be retained, 6% did not, while 3% had no opinion.